Modern selectors love the cliche about hopeful players "holding their hands up," and today Martyn Croy, the 28-year-old Otago wicket-keeper did precisely that by equalling the New Zealand record of seven catches in an innings.

Croy took five catches when Auckland scored 309/8 yesterday and he finished off the last two Auckland wickets quickly this morning.

He now shares the national record of seven catches in an innings with Robin Schofield who took seven for Central Districts against Wellington in 1964/65, Wasim Bari, for Pakistan against New Zealand in 1978/79, Bryan Young, for Northern Districts v Canterbury in 1986/87 and Ian Smith for New Zealand against Sri Lanka in 1990/91.

The next record could be the 10 in a match set by Adam Gilchrist for Australia against New Zealand in 1999/00 and Chris Nevin, for Wellington against Otago in 1995/96.

In passing, Croy may soon join the top rank of New Zealand 'keepers who have 200 dismissals - he is is on 194 from 64 matches at the moment.

Amid the recent shuffling of Adam Parore and Nevin into and out of the New Zealand wicket-keeping position, the fact that three years ago Croy won a place in the New Zealand touring team to England seems to have escaped notice.

Croy joined the New Zealand side in England after Parore had done World Cup duty, and played first-class and one-day matches against county sides.

In fact, as far back as 1994 Croy had been ear-marked for special attention. He was one of a quartet of Northern Districts 'keepers who showed outstanding form in the early 90's. While on a tour of Pakistan with the New Zealand Youth side, Croy was told by Robbie Lawson, the Otago opening batsman, that he could well gain a place in the Otago side if he moved to Dunedin.

Croy took the chance, and he has been Otago's first choice, apart from times recovering from injuries, ever since. Croy has gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and diplomas in sports management and science, and at present is doing all-round work for the Academy of Sport in Dunedin.

As a curiosity Croy set his record today on the field beside the UniSport complex, Auckland's version of the Otago Academy.

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