Sinclair may relocate to South Africa

Mathew Sinclair, the former New Zealand opener, revealed his plans of leaving the country and playing first-class cricket in South Africa, shortly after the New Zealand Cricket awards function at Auckland. Sinclair was the recipient of the Redpath Cup, the award given to the batsman whose performances in men's First-Class cricket have been the most meritorious.

Sinclair had been approached to join Eastern Province, a South African domestic side, for their final two games in April but had declined because of commitments to Central Districts and his wedding. He confirmed that talks are on with Eastern Province and is seriously considering the offer, keeping the financial benefits in mind.

Sinclair was not awarded a central contract last year, much to his dismay, and stated that if he is ignored again this year, he would leave the country. New Zealand Cricket are due to announce their central contracts for a 12-month period starting June.

"I don't want this developing into a Dutch auction but I've got to look after my financial situation and it's a very lucrative offer, especially when you compare it with what I'm getting at Central Districts," Sinclair told stuff.co.nz. "It's hard to see me getting a (NZC) contract after I missed out last year. I've scored a lot of runs this summer but, really, what are my chances? I'm not holding my breath."

Sinclair has enjoyed a good domestic season, piling up 848 runs at an average of 53 and won the award ahead of other strong contenders like Nathan Astle and Peter Fulton. He was left out of the national squad to tour South Africa due to his personal commitments but could be called up later should the team require any replacements.

"I've given New Zealand cricket and Central cricket 10 years of my best service and if I go I'll continue to live here for the other six months. I'm pretty serious about it. The opportunity has come from nowhere and they (Eastern Province) are very interested in getting a top-order batsman," he said.

Sinclair's last match in New Zealand could come next week when Central Districts tackle Wellington in the State Championship final at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, the same ground in which he announced his arrival in Test cricket, smashing 214 on debut, against West Indies in 1999. However, his form deserted him almost instantly, with a string of inconsistent scores and was in and out of the side. He last played a Test in 2004, against Australia at Adelaide.