Papps rips up record books with unbeaten triple ton
Wellington v Auckland at Basin Reserve, Wellington.
Experienced opener Michael Papps won’t forget this match in a hurry.
The 38-year-old achieved several New Zealand domestic cricket records, pummelling Auckland’s attack to all corners of the Basin in his unbeaten 316, which came from
435 deliveries.
Papps’ knock was the highest first class score by a Wellington batsman, eclipsing John Reid’s 296 from the 1962-63 summer. He teamed up for a stellar 432-run opening stand with Luke Woodcock, who on any other day would have been the headline act with
151.
Papps and Woodcock wrote themselves into the New Zealand cricket record books with the highest opening partnership for all teams, surpassing Central Districts pair Jamie How and Peter Ingram’s 428-run stand from
2009-10. It was also the best partnership for all wickets for Wellington and one which isn’t going to be broken any time soon.
The triple century is Papps’
32nd first class ton and comes in his 20th season of first class cricket. His previous high score was 206 not out.
Auckland 62 and 73-1 (Jeet Raval 39no) met Wellington 553-3 decl (Michael Papps 316no, Luke Woodcock 151, Tom Blundell 42no).
Northern Districts v Central Districts at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui.
Bat dominated ball in Mt Maunganui with Northern Districts in the driver’s seat after day two (rain washed out play on day one).
Anchored by half centuries to Bharat Popli, Tim Seifert, Daniel Flynn, Dean Brownlie and BJ Watling, who was unbeaten on 55 at stumps, ND got through to an imposing 378-4 at the close of play.
Popli appeared headed for his fourth first class ton, but was struck in front by CD spinner Ajaz Patel on 84. Flynn (62) and Seifert (77) set the platform for ND, contributing 121 for the first wicket.
Another century stand (120) from Popli and Dean Brownlie, who hit 62, further frustrated the CD bowlers. New Zealand test wicketkeeper BJ Watling added to their misery, hitting seven fours in his 55 not out, late in the day.
Patel was the pick of the CD bowlers, capturing 2-81 from 26 overs.
Northern Districts 378-4 (Bharat Popli 84, Tim Seifert 77, Daniel Flynn 62, Dean Brownlie 62, BJ Watling 55no) met Central Districts.
Canterbury v Otago at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Injury-ravaged Canterbury hauled themselves back into the contest on day two, but have plenty of work ahead to avoid a first-up loss to Otago.
Otago were restricted to 216 in the first innings, in reply to Canterbury’s 155, with spinners Tim Johnston and Blake Coburn combining for six wickets.
Canterbury 155 and 156-4 (Cameron Fletcher 39 no, Chad Bowes 33) met Otago 216 (Brad Wilson 58, Mark Craig 46, Jimmy Neesham 38; Tim Johnston 3-49, Blake Coburn 3-71).