Cricket: Richardson the second to be run out

6:55 PM

Black Cap Mark Richardson has been run out - 25 runs short of a century on day one of the Boxing Day cricket test against Zimbabwe at the Basin Reserve.

Richardson's partner Nathan Astle had called for a quick single after nudging a ball almost directly to the Olonga at point.

The ball came back swiftly to keeper Andy Flower who made no mistake, Richardson was well short.

The Richardson run out was the second of the day for New Zealand, currently 187/4 after 87 overs. Captain Steven Fleming was run out for 22 shortly after lunch.

Nathan Astle, now on 54, was joined at the crease by Craig McMillan who has knocked 19 off nine overs.

New Zealand's other two wickets fell cheaply early this morning.

Matt Horne was out caught behind of the bowling of Heath Streak for 1, while Mathew Sinclair was out lbw to Bryan Strang for 9.

Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming won the toss and opted to bat first with James Franklin named the 12th man.

- IRN, HERALD ONLINE STAFF