Fulton’s century was a timely one as in his previous appearances in the Test side, he had scored just 314 runs in 16 innings at an average of 20.93 and a high score of 75. PHOTO: REUTERS
AUCKLAND: England are just one ‘crazy spell’ away from getting right back in the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand on an otherwise placid Eden Park pitch, according to fast-bowler Steven Finn.
New Zealand’s batsmen, led by a maiden century from Peter Fulton, finished the first day of the match in a strong position at 250 for one after they had been put in by Alastair Cook on a green-tinged wicket that had promised so much more.
“You know in Test cricket that you are only one spell away from turning the game on its head and we have got people in the team who are capable of that,” Finn told reporters.
“In the last Test Broady [Stuart Broad] took his ‘six-for’ and the rest of the bowling attack have done that in the past where one crazy spell can turn the game. We would’ve liked to take more wickets after winning the toss but the fact they’re only 250 on a wicket that didn’t offer us too much was a good effort.”
The Test series between the two sides has been dogged by rain, resulting in two draws, but also pitches that have been batsmen friendly and not conducive to the England attack’s strengths.
After Fulton and Hamish Rutherford safely negotiated the opening hour the wicket flattened out and got easier for batting.
“Looking at the wicket, it looked like there was a bit in it for the bowler,” added Finn. “There was plenty of green grass on it but that just seemed to be holding the wicket together rather than offering us assistance. It’s important we try and wrestle the momentum from New Zealand. We will stick to our plans and hopefully that will bring some wickets.”
Fulton relieved after maiden century
Meanwhile, Fulton said he was more relieved than excited after scoring his maiden Test ton.
“A mixture of excitement and relief is a good way of putting it,” he said. “If I’m being honest I probably wondered if I’d get another chance to try and get a Test hundred.
“Once you’ve been in and out of the team you get to that stage where you might have had your last chance. I think I knew I was good enough, but at the back of my mind was always that thing of ‘if I don’t get another chance, I’m not going to be able to prove that I am good enough. Thankfully that wasn’t the case.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2013.
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