Save Skippy Sinclair

I can see the cause for concern, but after a fantastic team victory in Hamilton, I am going to start the 'Save Mathew Sinclair' campaign.

In defence of the loose shot that cost him his wicket during that incredible session of cricket on Saturday afternoon – he was playing to team tactics.

Sinclair and his equally poor (just for that one session) colleagues were sent out with instructions to be aggressive.

Aggressive they were – sadly, it was their execution that was lacking.

Already the calls for his head have begun – and I agree they are not unwarranted – but in this unique situation (where there are few other options) I think he deserves more chances.

In his most recent Black Cap stint (his 4th recall to the Test team overall) he has had just had four opportunities to bat. He scored 29 and 47 against Bangladesh and 8 and 2 in the first Test against England.

It's not great but it's not appalling either and New Zealand ended up on the winning side of all these Test matches.

Arguing against his retention, however, was the excellent 108 made by - New Zealand Cricket's anointed batsman in waiting - Grant Elliot against Auckland.

And also the good domestic form of James Marshall and Greg Hay may have the selectors second guessing themselves.

All of these claims are hard to ignore but Sinclair still hasn't had the opportunity to offer his best at international level.

Martin Crowe said earlier this year he felt Sinclair was 'uncoachable'. This maybe the case but we know that his unique technique can be successful too.

He seems to be hung out to dry based on an idea of what he is capable of rather than what he does.

Sinclair's average of 34.08 doesn't look bad compared to some of the other batsmen currently in our national team.

He, however, seems to always have that fact disregarded because he has three Test innings in excess of 150 to his name. Why should those great performances be used against him?

His bizarre selection record has also meant since he registered his debut 214 against the West Indies he has never played them again.

He has also played 22 of his 50 innings against Australia and South Africa and just 12 against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

He has never played India and his most recent Test was his first ever against England.

So, while the mood of cricket fans is upbeat, and he has confident team mates playing around him give him another chance. After all – why change a winning team?

Does Matthew Sinclair deserve to be dropped? Who should replace him?

YOUR COMMENTS

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sharlene73@xtra.co.nz - posted Mar 12 01:26 pm
It is an unfortunate thing for New Zealand players, that NZ Cricket seems to pick players according to past innings. If they selected the players while they are peaking in domestic cricket(eg.Elliot/Hay) their confidence should transfer to international form too.
kilmaun@xtra.co.nz - posted Mar 12 01:38 pm
I have always liked Mathew Sinclair, I have always crossed my fingers he would do well, BUT, even when has started, he is most inconsistent. For some reason he takes a long time to get started, and most times that is when he goes out. If Ryder can behave himself he must be the logical choice.
jpthekiwi - posted Mar 12 03:44 pm
I agree with Mr Edwards, Firstly dont judge him on the second innings performance. If Vincent hadnt gone off to India I would have suggested bringing him back in but we dont really have anyone experianced or proven to take Sinclairs place. Wasnt Sinclair the toast of domestic cricket just before christmas. He deserves to have his chance until at least the end of this test series. Hopefully Hay and Elliot will do as well in the future but for now keep Sinclair
vanessabrentxavia - posted Mar 12 03:53 pm
keep him and stop stuffing him around, in then out in then out. he will deliver and score over 100 this test as we struggle after the great win that we just experienced Long Live SKIPPY
rickoshea@xtra.co.nz - posted Mar 12 08:00 pm
Who else are they going to put in?
Our domestic scene is a mile off international.
I think that James Marshall will be the only player who will be able to make the step up to internation Test Cricket from our domestic competition.
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