McMillan throws up a Saturday surprise

When South Africa’s players were preparing to face New Zealand’s bowling attack at the World Cup, they probably didn’t expect to come up against Craig McMillan.

When South Africa’s players were preparing to face New Zealand’s bowling attack at the World Cup, they probably didn’t expect to come up against Craig McMillan.

They certainly wouldn’t have bet on him taking his first wicket in three World Cups. And his second. And his third.

Shane Bond, who has confirmed his status as one of the world’s leading fast bowlers at the Caribbean tournament, opened the attack alongside James Franklin and each accounted for an opening batsman.

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However, when the Black Caps needed another breakthrough, captain Stephen Fleming turned to a man who is more renowned for his batting and had bowled fewer than 15 overs in seven previous tournament matches.

McMillan came on and took a wicket in three of his first four overs, and then hit 38 not out to lead New Zealand to a place in the semi-finals.

“I haven’t taken that many wickets for a while and Flem generally gives me the ball at short notice if we’re in a bit of trouble,” Man of the Match McMillan said. “I usually get one wicket, usually at one or two overs at a time, but to pick up three is a little bit unheard of.”

Scott Styris is recognised as New Zealand’s premier all-rounder, but bowled just three overs after hitting 111 against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

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It was Styris’ previous success that let McMillan get his chance.

“Macca is similar to Scotty, but Scotty’s had a big couple of days,” Fleming said. “Macca has the ability to get a wicket out of the blue and he did that today.”

–Stuart Condie