Richardson and Vincent - it has a ring to it

Mark Richardson and Lou Vincent continued the re-writing of New Zealand cricket's record books, such a common feature of the side under Stephen Fleming's captaincy. It is a feature of mature teams that the more they play together, the more records get broken.

It is all to do with knowing one another, and feeding off each other's achievements. Richardson and Vincent, now surely settled as New Zealand's Test opening partnership, achieved their second century stand after their first at St George's in the West Indies last year. Their 231-run association, before Vincent was out leg before wicket - slipping as he played a shot to Anil Kumble - was the second highest for New Zealand overseas after the 387 added by Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis in the West Indies in 1971-72.

When the side for the tour was announced, Sir Richard Hadlee said that Vincent was going to be played as an opener, and that was where the selectors felt he was best suited. It was a decision that had been a long time coming but in this innings, and in his second innings effort at Ahmedabad, he confirmed that faith, feeding off the superb fighting quality that Richardson brings to this side.

Vincent ended his innings with his Test average back up to 33.54, more reflective of his obvious ability. The six he hit off Harbhajan Singh to bring up his 50 was classical, while the reverse sweep for four off Anil Kumble was beautifully-timed. When in form, he can play some audacious strokes and the Indians had a chance to appreciate why he was able to score a century and half-century on debut at Perth, two years ago.

Many years have passed since New Zealand has possessed a batsman with Richardson's hunger. His concentration, and the ability to maximise his resources in an object lesson to young cricketers. Rarely is there a flourish to his run scoring, but that doesn't mean he can't pull out the big shots.

His battle with cramp when attempting to play the sweep shot was hilarious in its own way, and as memorable as his reaction when he claimed his first, and only, Test wicket. The left-arm slow bowler, who got the yips so badly that he resorted to batting, was given a chance for a trundle against Pakistan at Christchurch on the first drop-in pitch used in New Zealand. They don't make pancakes flatter than that pitch was, but Richardson picked up the wicket of double century-maker Yousuf Youhana, caught and bowled, and immediately took off around Jade Stadium imitating an aeroplane, much in the manner of English soccer goal scorers.

His third Test century was thoroughly deserved, and has contributed to New Zealand finishing the first day in such a strong position. New Zealand teams have been on the receiving often enough in India, and Fleming's winning the toss may be the harbinger of a first Test series victory in India.

It was unusual to see India under pressure so early in the match. Their fielding in the first session was lamentable, and you can only wonder what was going through John Wright's mind as he watched helpless from the sidelines. New Zealand teams are not naturally equipped with the riches that teams like India can call on, that is why they take their fielding so seriously. It is a weapon, not the encumbrance that it seems to be to the Indians.

New Zealand's highest opening partnerships overseas:

387     Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis,       Georgetown  v West Indies  1971-72
231     Mark Richardson and Lou Vincent,     Mohali      v India        2003-04
185     John Wright and Trevor Franklin,     Lord's      v England      1990
136     Graham Dowling and Terry Jarvis,     Lahore      v Pakistan     1964-65
131     Matt Horne and Gary Stead,           Ahmedabad   v India        1999-00

Centuries by New Zealanders in India:

230*    Bert Sutcliffe     New Delhi          1955-56
151*    Bert Sutcliffe     Calcutta           1964-65
137*    Bert Sutcliffe     Hyderabad          1955-56
129     Graham Dowling     Bombay             1964-65
120     John Reid          Calcutta           1955-56
113     Glenn Turner       Kanpur             1976-77
106     Lou Vincent        Mohali             2003-04
105     Bruce Taylor       Calcutta           1964-65
104     John Parker        Bombay             1976-77
103     Nathan Astle       Ahmedabad          2003-04
102*    Mark Richardson    Mohali             2003-04
102     John Guy           Hyderabad          1955-56