Mcmillan, Astle flay Zimbabwe attack

Wellinton, December 27: Craig McMillan and Nathan Astle notched centuries as New Zealand added 285 runs today for the loss of two wickets ...

Wellinton, December 27: Craig McMillan and Nathan Astle notched centuries as New Zealand added 285 runs today for the loss of two wickets to finish the second day at 475 for six in the one-off cricket Test against Zimbabwe.New Zealand resumed 190 for four, with Astle on 56 and McMillan on 20 not out.The pair combined when New Zealand was 145 for four following the run out of Mark Richardson for 75.

McMillan plundered the Zimbabwean attack in the first two sessions, dominating a New Zealand-record 222-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Astle until he was bowled by Brian Murphy for 142.

Astle continued with Adam Parore, taking the total from 367 for five to 426 before he was caught off the bowling of Bryan Strang for 141.

Story continues below this ad

Parore remained unbeaten on 44 and Brooke Walker on 21 when stumps were drawn three overs early because of inadequate light.

Strang has 2-110 off 44 overs, with Heath Streak and Murphy taking a wicket apiece.

New Zealand had been in trouble early yesterday, slumping to 22 for two on the opening day with opener Matt Horne and No. 3 Mathew Sinclair both dismissed cheaply. Richardson and skipper Stephen Fleming (22) took the total to 67 before a running mixup resulted in the dismissal of Fleming.

Scoreboard

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings:Matt Horne c Andy Flower b Streak 1, Mark Richardson run out 75, Mathew Sinclair lbw Strang 9, Stephen Fleming run out 22, Nathan Astle c Carlisle b Strang 141, Craig McMillan b Murphy 142, Adam Parore not out 44, Brooke Walker not out 21. Extras: (1B, 8lb, 5W, 6nb) 20 Total: (for 6 wkts, 177 overs) 475
Fall of Wickets:1-5, 2-22, 3-67, 4-145, 5-367, 6-426.

Story continues below this ad

Bowling: Heath Streak 37-10-74-1, Bryan Strang 44-16-110-2, Henry Olonga 30-2-105-0, Brian Murphy 44-8-122-1, Guy Whittall 22-6-55-0.