Matthew Horne and Mark Richardson, New Zealand's likely opening batting pair in the tests next month against Pakistan, benefited most yesterday from the drawn Shell Trophy cricket match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
When the match was called off at 3.40pm Horne had not long departed for 110, his second century in the competition,
Richardson was undefeated on 94, and they had set a first wicket record for Otago against Wellington of 193.
Richardson's test record in his first international summer speaks for itself but Horne had a horrible time in his last test against Zimbabwe at the Basin after Christmas with scores of one and nought.
He had a test century against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in September but he needed a good run in the trophy to enhance his prospects of staying in the test side ahead of outstanding Wellington opener Matthew Bell.
Horne's 110 took his aggregate to 617 at an average of 47.46.
Richardson has had a leaner run in the trophy, and his 94 in 350 minutes was a valuable international leadup.
A result was unlikely once Otago were left 488 for victory in a minimum of 120 overs.
After starting yesterday at 61-0, Otago still needed 341 from 62 overs at lunch, and had yet to lose a wicket, finishing at 241 for one.
Cricket: Good workout for likely test pair
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