Lou Vincent said it was about time he did something memorable for New Zealand after his 224 put them on course for a series win against Sri Lanka. Vincent's mammoth eight-hour innings saw him smash four sixes and 25 fours, helping to give New Zealand a 311-run first innings lead.
He said: "I've felt for a long time that I haven't really done anything big for New Zealand yet.
"The best thing was that I may have set it up for the team to take a win."
It was Vincent's 20th Test match since his debut in 2001 and he more than doubled his previous best of 106.
Vincent scored a century on his debut against Australia in
December 2001 but passed triple figures just once more, against
India in 2003.
He was then dropped for more than a year before fighting
his way back this summer.
"The hundred against Australia was more emotional but I
guess this will stick in the mind," he said.
"This was meaningful for me because it's 14 months since my
last hundred for New Zealand ... I was really focused to get
100.
"It's been 20-odd Tests and I don't feel I've really made my mark."
With two days to go, Sri Lanka need to score 312 just to make New Zealand bat again in the second Test.
And they got off to a worst possible start when Sanath Jayasuriya was out for three, caught by Vincent at slip, off Chris Martin's bowling to leave Sri Lanka on 10-1 at the close.
Vincent added: "It's been a great day and it's exciting to be part of it."
MMIX
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