Luke Georgeson in his hi-vis best. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
Here is a question that occupied far too much of my time this week — how many New Zealand male cricketers have scored at least two list A centuries and taken at least two list A five-wicket bags?
I know. Get a life. But here is the thing. Otago all-rounder Luke Georgeson joined an elite club when he notched his second century during the Ford Trophy elimination final in Dunedin on Wednesday.
It has been quite a month for the young man.
He also picked up two five-wicket bags. So who else is in the club?
Well, it is an elite list headed by Chris Cairns.
The world-class all-rounder and New Zealand great smashed nine list A hundreds and collected six five-wicket bags.
He might be unfashionable now but, boy, he could play.
Jacob Oram took some time out from being injured to snaffle two five-wicket hauls and clout three centuries. It might surprise you, but Jimmy Neesham has four five-wicket bags to go with the two hundreds you might expect.
We have not always seen the best of Neesham with the ball at international level, but he is pretty sharp the next level down.
King James — James Franklin — bullied teams at domestic level but could not find his feet in the international game. He scored four list A tons and claim two five-wicket bags during his reign. And Daniel Vettori got there as well.
The left-arm spinner turned himself into a very handy lower-order batter, who posted two tons. Surprisingly, he only got two five-wicket hauls. Both of those were in internationals. And those are the only players we could find.
Crease bound
What is Tim Southee doing bowling the final over of a T20? What is Tim Southee doing in the team?
Asking for a friend.
He is getting replaced by Trent Boult for the next two, though.
And fair play to Australia. That was some hitting from Tim David. Any clash delivering drama in the last over is good for the game even if the result does not go your way. Pity the contest between the bat and ball is not more even.
Clubbing it
Earlier this month, the first over-70s national tournament was held in Wellington.
Otago’s Bevan Guthrie and Paul Facoory played for Central Team Wellington, who won the tournament.
They were both selected in the New Zealand over-70s team to contest the World Cup in England later this year. Notes From Slip favourite John Cushen also made the side.
"We are thrilled!!!!!!" Cushen enthused. "The final will be played at Wormsley Estate, home to the Getty family."
Make sure you behave yourself, John. Remember your airs and graces. And do us proud.
The declaration
The Volts did not bother with new kit for the Ford Trophy this season. They opted for neon yellow hi-vis safety vests and were seen putting out traffic cones after the elimination final in Dunedin on Wednesday.
