Lou Vincent admitted he needed the century which gave the BLACKCAPS their 91-run victory over the West Indies at Napier.
The BLACKCAPS’ latest centurion said he benefited from an extended period at the crease after missing out on the first game of the National Bank Series.
He constructed a fine 102, his second One-Day ton, in an uncharacteristic anchor role.
He played support in century partnerships with Stephen Fleming and Nathan Astle, as the veteran duo adopted the Vincent big-hitting philosophy.
And although he appreciated the importance of displaying the ability to reign in his natural instincts, he conceded that the responsibility did not sit too well.
Speaking to BLACKCAPS.co.nz columnist Gavin Larsen on Sky Sports, Vincent revealed: “I got bored of it myself after a while!
“But that’s what I needed, to spend some time out in the middle. It’s been ‘whack, bang, wallop’ for a couple of innings so far in the summer, and I haven’t kicked on, so the personal frustration was there.
“I’ve just sat back on the armchair at the other end and watch the other boys hit it out of the park, so it was a bit different.
“There’s no point going for it from both ends when you’re in that situation. If one guy’s hot then you’ve got to get him on strike, so you knock it around rather than trying to bat through the innings.
“It happened with Nath (Astle) as well. I was ready to have a crack but he stepped into that role.”
Fleming said he was delighted that the opener had given him the opportunity to take the lead and exhibited a new facet to his game.
“It was a little bit unusual I’m used to sitting back and watching Louie from the other end,” he said.
“I was able to get a few away, and he was very controlled. Sometimes, when you play a different game, it takes a lot more skill and I thought he was brilliant.
“He really was the key to get out batting to 324. Nathan was in good touch, we had plenty of batters to go.
“Louie kept a good tempo going and I learnt a few lessons from him, so it was an important innings for us.”
BLACKCAPS v West Indies, National Bank Series 5th ODI, Eden Park, Auckland, March 4 (2pm)
For ticket information for The National Bank Series, or call 0508 Cricket.
