Martin Guptill has put more pressure on the New Zealand cricket selectors with an unbeaten 61 on the second day of the build-up encounter between the New Zealand XI and Worcestershire.
Guptill's knock was the core of his side's tally of 89-2 at stumps, leading by 59 runs after Worcestershire declared at 291-7 in response to New Zealand's first innings score of 261-9 declared.
After making 35 in his first innings, Guptill is putting his name forward for one of the opening slots to take on England in the upcoming test series, with fellow contenders Tom Latham and Hamish Rutherford failing to capitalise on their opportunities overnight.
Rutherford, who top-scored in the first innings with 75, could only make eight before being bowled by England all-rounder Moeen Ali, while Latham followed his first-innings seven by being caught at leg slip for just three in his second dig.
The New Zealanders had a mixed day with the ball, starting brilliantly with Matt Henry and Neil Wagner combining to have the hosts at 92-5.
