Wiseman suffers the curse of the Winelands

Odd things have happened to touring teams who visit Paarl. Ken Rutherford's 1994 tourists found themselves with a couple of days on their hands after their match against Boland was abandoned because the pitch was too dangerous. A local drug dealer helped fill in that spare time.

A year later Michael Atherton's England team found themselves playing a one-day game against Boland on the fourth day after the two teams had agreed that a result in a first-class game was unlikely however long they played.

The pitch has been sorted out since Andre Bruyns took over two years ago, but the curse of the Winelands struck Stephen Fleming's tourists on Tuesday morning when offspinner Paul Wiseman sprained an ankle playing Frisbee before the start of the three-day match against Boland.

Whether Wiseman will be fit for the first Test starting on November 17 is not known. If there is ligament damage this will only be established once the swelling has subsided. But Wiseman could put no weight on his left foot on Tuesday, hopping up to get his lunch-time fish and chips and hopping back to his table again.

It rather took the gloss off Mark Richardson's unbeaten 118 on the first day as New Zealand put together 273 for five. Not, it should be added, that there was that much sparkle on his century in the first place.

Richardson batted all of 395 minutes for his runs after a bright start in his opening partnership, this after he had been the dominant partner in an opening stand of 39 in 12 overs with Craig Spearman.

Once Spearman had flapped at Neil Carter to be caught at the wicket, Richardson dug himself so deep during a second-wicket partnership of 113 with Mathew Sinclair that he all but disappeared.

Sinclair contributed 86 to the stand, scoring happily all around the wicket, as Richardson tucked himself in behind his bat.

From New Zealand's point of view, Richardson did a job and did it well (apart from being missed by Henry Williams at wide mid on when he had 33). But it was grim to watch at times until he started to open up and play some shots after tea.

He was the senior partner in a 94-run fourth wicket stand with Hamish Marshall and was still there at the end. No doubt, considering his 14-hour 306 against Zimbabwe A in September, he probably sees his job only half done.

Boland were missing their form bowler, Charl Langeveldt, and on a flat pitch Williams was unable to offer any particular reason why his international career should be resumed when his ban ends at the end of the year.

Neil Carter, who has signed for Warwickshire and is regarded as Boland's overseas professional, was the pick of the attack, left-arm over the wicket with enough bounce to account for both Spearman and Marshall. James Henderson also picked up a couple of wickets with his off breaks, but it was generally a subdued day.

Which is what New Zealand might have wanted after the traumas of the one-day series.