NEW Zealand announced themselves in impressive fashion, reaching 4-290 before bad light stopped play on day one of their tour opener against Australia A at Allan Border Field. Brendon McCullum’s sensational 146 from 115 balls, including 21 boundaries and six maximums, was the highlight of the day, as the Kiwis set the tone with a fast-paced 148-run opening stand.
McCullum’s opening partner Martin Guptill (43) was strong at the top of the order, executing the support role to perfection.
Skipper Ross Taylor (45 not out) has looked in sensational touch and will resume today alongside No.6 Dean Brownlie (21 not out).
On a sedate pitch with little juice to offer, none of the Australian attack was able to assert himself and truly further his chances for selection in the first Test at the Gabba.
Steve Smith bowled tightly, finding his length and conceding only 11 from his five overs.
James Pattinson (2-65) was the sole multiple wicket-taker, while Ben Hilfenhaus had the all-important scalp of McCullum. Ben Cutting removed Jesse Ryder for 22 and had McCullum badly dropped at short extra cover.
Resuming at 3-216 after tea, the tourists scored at a more sedate, red-ball pace through the final session.
With McCullum back in the sheds, there was none of the belief-defying blows, but Taylor still played with enough style and precision to excite the fans in attendance.
He was patient in defence and savage with his square of the wicket shots when the bowlers made the mistake of dropping short on a dead deck. (CA)