Sinclair disagrees with Bracewell on batting position

Matthew Sinclair, the New Zealand batsman, has disagreed with John Bracewell's comments that he is best suited as "a middle-order player". He is getting married in April and has said he would have to reconsider his position if not offered a national contract.

"It's his opinion against my opinion," Sinclair told Sunday News."From my point of view I've been quite successful batting at No. 3. By middle order, does John mean No. 5, 6 or 7? I obviously opened for New Zealand when we played Australia, that didn't go so well. I hear rumours I was trialled and failed. But out of the good of my heart I did that to get back in the team and to help the New Zealand team out."

Sinclair was not among the 20 contracted players announced by New Zealand Cricket in May 2005. Four contracts, ranging from $125,000 to $45,000, are now available after Chris Cairns retirement and uncertainty Daryl Tuffey, Craig Cumming and Chris Harris. Sinclair has been in excellent form of late, scoring 121, 103 not out, 101 and 53 in successive innings, and is in competition with Ross Taylor, Jamie How, Andre Adams and Peter Fulton for the 2007 World Cup.

"If I don't get a contract I will have to make some decisions. I'm getting married in April. I don't know if I am being considered. All I know is that I have to get out there and score runs. That's what I've done. I haven't heard. I don't know much. There hasn't been much communication from the selectors saying how far away I am."