Ross Taylor's comeback tour continued at Eden Park's outer oval today, where the former New Zealand skipper watched Auckland take charge against Plunket Shield leaders Central Districts.
Taylor returned from his self-imposed exile against Canterbury last week, scoring 56 runs in his side's victory, and he again appeared short of form on the first day's play today.
After being sent in by Auckland captain Gareth Hopkins, the Stags struggled to impose themselves on fourth-placed Auckland and limped to 233 all out. By stumps, the hosts had reduced the arrears to 91 runs and will take seven wickets in hand into tomorrow's second day.
With most of the interest surrounding Taylor as he prepares for next month's home series against England, the small crowd at Eden Park No 2 didn't have long to wait to see him in action.
Chris Martin and Matt Quinn combined to remove the Stags' openers, bringing Tayor to the crease in the eighth over and with the score on 19-2. Taylor spent nearly an hour in the middle but had just 21 runs to his name when he was trapped in front by allrounder Colin de Grandhomme.
