Cricket: Watling warms up for tour with 150

BJ Watling. File photo / Getty Images

Black Cap BJ Watling warmed up for New Zealand's tour to Australia with his seventh first-class hundred as he smashed 150 for Northern Districts yesterday.

The South African-born right-hander faced 299 balls in his knock against Otago at the University Oval in Dunedin, which included 14 fours as he laid the platform for Northern to rack up 482-5 declared in their first innings of the rain-affected game.

Watling was left in New Zealand later than his Black Caps' teammates in a bid to find some form in the Plunket Shield ahead of the two-test series after a mixed trip to Zimbabwe recently.

Watling's knock was supported by Joey Yovich, Peter McGlashan and Brad Wilson who all posted half centuries in Northern's total, although the game is unlikely to see a result as it heads in to the final day today.

Otago ended the day at 40-2, with Aaron Redmond and Neil Broom back in the dressing room for low scores after Graeme Aldridge picked up a couple of late wickets for Northern.

At Lincoln, Wellington declared their first innings behind in a bid to force a result against Auckland.

Wellington called it in at 233-5 after Luke Woodcock brought up his fifth first-class century, in reply to Auckland's first innings of 357-7 declared.

Auckland pulled the pin on their first dig after the 110-over period for accumulating bonus points had expired and their total was largely inflated due to some hefty striking from overseas import Andre Adams who blasted 79 from 54 balls.

Auckland finished day three on 43-2, 167 runs ahead, and they might fancy themselves a chance of setting Wellington a tricky total from two sessions if they can rattle the scoreboard along at the start of day four. Opener Jeet Raval closed the day unbeaten on 23.

In Rangiora, Canterbury also declared their first innings behind at 251-6 in reply to Central Districts' effort of 307.

Former international Peter Fulton top-scored for the Cantabrians with 76, while all-rounder Andrew Ellis added a useful 65 not out from No 6.