Cricket: Veteran's century satisfying

Grant Elliott's place in the Black Caps World Cup squad raised a few eyebrows but yesterday the veteran middle-order batsman underlined his worth to the team.

The 35-year-old all-rounder combined in a remarkable 267-run world record stand for the sixth-wicket which helped the Black Caps to a comfortable 108-run win against Sri Lanka in the fifth ODI at the University Oval.

Fellow Wellingtonian Luke Ronchi was the star with an undefeated 170 but Elliott's knock of 104 not out, from 96 deliveries, was pretty special, as well.

He came out to bat with New Zealand limping along at 60 for three and set to work.

It was hugely satisfying innings, both personally and for his supporters.

''I've been playing a different sort of a role for Wellington which is quite fun, coming in at the end and giving it a bit of a whack,'' Elliott said.

''But it seems whenever I play for the Black Caps [my] role - if we do lose three quick ones - is to come in and rotate the strike and strike at as close to hundred as I can.

''It is really satisfying. I felt in Nelson I gave it away. I probably should have kicked on but I was there for the fun bit today.''

Elliott skipped part of the series to return home and support a family member through a medical issue.

''It has been a really difficult week or 10 days but New Zealand Cricket have been great with me and I've had so much support. This hundred is probably for that reason.

''I guess that has fuelled a lot of enthusiasm that I want to show in the field. It makes me definitely want to be out there more after what happened.''

Ronchi and Elliott's partnership eclipsed the previous mark of 218 set by Mahela Jayawardene and MS Dhoni for the Asian XI in Chennai in 2007.

''It is not about milestones for individuals out there. It is about as many as we can get for the team. We've got some accolades, which is great, and we'll probably share a beer tonight - and be pretty proud of it, because it has contributed to a win.''

 

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