Zimbabwe v New Zealand, Second Test, Day 1, Harare

New Zealand decided to bat on winning the toss, an indication in itself that this Harare Sports Club pitch was of a better quality than many of those experienced last season. In Bulawayo Zimbabwe batted doggedly through the first day; here New Zealand followed suit and finished the day on 226 for four. The highlight was a determined 99 by the young left-handed opener Mark Richardson, playing in his third Test match.

Olonga bowled the first over and immediately the batsmen struggled to cope with the unaccustomed pace. Spearman had scored only two when he tried an unwise pull and was caught at the wicket; New Zealand 5 for one.

Although not quite at their best, Olonga and Streak made life difficult for Richardson and Sinclair during the first hour, aided by the little extra bounce and movement offered by the Harare Sports Club pitch even on its most docile days. Gradually the batsmen built a partnership by watchful defence and well-placed ones and twos, the right-handed Sinclair being the dominant partner.

Olonga struck again after lunch, Carlisle picking up a fast low catch at third slip to remove Sincalir for 44; New Zealand 69 for two. Fleming (9) briefly looked good before playing a loose drive outside off stump to Mbangwa, to be caught by Campbell at second slip; 91 for three.

Astle launched into some dashing drives through the covers while Richardson plodded on invaluably towards his fifty, which had still not arrived by tea. Grant Flower, after being called for throwing in the First Test, returned to the bowling crease with umpire Robinson at square leg, and produced a short ball that was gratefully pulled to the midwicket boundary by Richardson to bring up his maiden Test fifty. He escaped being called this time, possibly by request of New Zealand, who enjoyed his bowling.

Zimbabwe began to flag in the field, with a couple of misfields and a missed run-out. In addition their over rate was very poor. The century partnership came and went, as did the second new ball. Richardson was on 95 as he faced he last over from Nkala; a cut brought him four, but then pushed half-forward to a good ball that moved back slightly and umpire Robinson had no hesitation in awarding an lbw that appeared to be justified on camera. The young opener had done a fine job and would have deserved that extra run. Astle finished the day on 64, another fine innings.