[image]A record fifth-wicket stand between Australian batsmen
Michael Clarke and Marcus North was batting New Zealand out
of the first cricket test on day two in
Wellington today.
The pair's partnership extended to an unbroken 229 as the
tourists rumbled to 405 for four at lunch on the second day
at the Basin Reserve.
They combined for an Australian fifth-wicket record stand
against New Zealand, beating the previous mark of 213 set by
Greg Matthews and Greg Ritchie in the 1985-86 season.
Clarke, who brought up his 14th test century in the final
over of day one, set his sights on a double-ton as he moved
to 153 after 346 minutes and 237 deliveries at the crease,
including 19 fours and two sixes.
North meanwhile was in sight of his fourth century in just
his 14th test, on 84 not out in 252 minutes and 170 balls.
Australia added 89 without loss off 29 overs in the morning
session under clear skies.
New Zealand's bowlers couldn't replicate the accurate efforts
of the first two sessions yesterday, with Clarke and North
given enough loose deliveries to keep them going.
There were two half-chances for New Zealand; when North on 60
had a running mix-up with Clarke but Daryl Tuffey's return
from square leg wasn't quite sharp enough, and when Clarke
was on 122 and he edged Chris Martin just in front of Tim
McIntosh at second slip.
All five specialist New Zealand bowlers got a run in the
first session without luck.
Debutant Brent Arnel remained the leading wicket taker, with
figures of two for 89 off 26 overs, while captain Daniel
Vettori was still searching for his first wicket, with none
for 79 off 27.
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