Less variety the key to century, says Vincent

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By Kunal Pradhan

MOHALI, India (Reuters) - New Zealand opener Lou Vincent, who struck a career-best 106 against India on Thursday, said his first test century in almost two years was the result of cutting down on the variety of strokes he played.

The 24-year-old scored 104 on his test debut against Australia in Perth back in December 2001 but had failed to get to three figures since.

"I've always been seen as a player with every shot in the book," Vincent told reporters. "But that also gives you several ways to get out."

"All through the winter, I worked hard on limiting my shots and on cutting out certain kinds of strokes from my game so that I could minimise the risk of getting out early."

Vincent, dropped for a tour of Sri Lanka in April, said the selectors had told him two months ago to prepare to open the innings in India.

"That gave me a lot of confidence," he said. "I knew what was expected off me. I practiced the sweep shot to counter the spinners.

"I get a lot of leaves at home, so I swept them all winter."

Vincent brought up his century with a sweep off leg-spinner Anil Kumble, but was out lbw while trying it once too often against the experienced bowler.

His 227-ball knock, which included 14 fours and two towering sixes against off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, helped his team reach a commanding 247 for one on the first day of the second test.

The 231-run opening stand with Mark Richardson, who was 102 not out at the close of play, was the best ever partnership for New Zealand against India.

While enjoying the innings, Vincent said he rated his debut century higher.

"That one was a special innings because the Australians like to call themselves world champions and it was great to get runs against them in my first test match," he said.

"I've spent five years in Adelaide and it was always my passion to come back to Australia and score runs."

Vincent said he felt the Kiwis were in with a good chance of grabbing a series victory. The first test of two tests ended in a draw in Ahmedabad last week.

"We're always thinking of ways to win," Vincent said. "I don't know what the target is tomorrow, maybe a million? We'll just go and try to press home the advantage."

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