AUCKLAND. Mar 2 (Reuters/ Internet): New Zealand tailender Geoff Allott admitted after his record breaking'nought against South Africa that "it was probably the best duck I'll ever score." „ Allott came to the crease with his side on 320 for nine, still 102 runs away from avoiding the follow on in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Park on Tuesday and with nearly an hour and a three quarters of the fourth day to

left-arm seamer, who bats right handed, proceeded to survive for 101 minutes facing 77 balls to break a 53-year-old record for the longest scoreless innings in the history of the game.

England's Godfrey Evans took 97 minutes to score his first run against Australia in Adelaide in 1946 but Allott -who has more first class wickets than runs in his career. 86 to 83 - had not even scored when he was finally caught at slip.

"1 had no idea of the record until the public address announcer said that I'd broken the New Zealand record (previously held by John Wright who took 66 minutes to open his account against Australia In Welling-ton. 1981-82).

Asked whether he was afraid' he might edge a four through the slips on the way towards the world record. Allott scoffed at suggestions he was aiming for the record.

"A tailender is never afraid of getting runs - in fact, if Harry' (Chris Harris) hadn't turned down about five easy singles then I might never nave got anywhere near it." Allott said after the fourth's day play.

He did, however, enter into the spirit of the unusual occasion by raising his bat to all

corners of the ground, and smiling broadly, as a small but enthusiastic crowd cheered every dot ball as he neared, and then broke, one of the game's least sought-after batting records.

"Even the South Africans were smiling," said a sheepish Allott. “You've got to see the funny side."

New Zealand were all out for 352 and were four without loss in their second innings at the close of play on the fourth day. South Africa declared for 621 -5 in their first innings.