Cricket: Wellington grab early advantage

Canterbury's bowlers took a belting before striking back on the first day of their match against Wellington at Rangiora yesterday.

Former New Zealand opener Matthew Bell led the assault with his 11th first-class century as Wellington moved at a steady clip to 271 for two before slumping to 299 for six by stumps at Dudley Park.

Bell and Richard Jones shared a partnership of 124 after Canterbury captain Gary Stead had asked the visitors to bat.

Neal Parlane, who will resume today on 71, then joined Bell in a second-wicket stand of 93.

Wellington were helped by the failure of the Canterbury attack to make use of the humid conditions which had prompted the decision to put them in to bat.

Bell and Jones relished the inconsistencies of line and length, and were still together at lunch, with the total at 122.

They were separated only by the swiftness of Peter Fulton's throw from mid-wicket to run out Jones for 55 in the first over after the break.

"I'm really pleased about Bell [114] and Jones," Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson said.

"Two years ago when we scored a lot of runs they set us up and it looks like they are back in nick again."

Johnson revealed the Wellington camp was "a little surprised" to be sent in.

"We were going to bat. But that was partly because our bowlers had a hard last day at Auckland and batting first would hopefully have given them a day and a bit to recover."

- NZPA