At the very least, Wagner’s ton will have helped him cement the nightwatchman’s spot.
His innings has helped strengthen Otago’s grip on its four-day warm-up match against Canterbury at Molyneux Park.
The home side dismissed the defending Plunket Shield champion for 182 on the opening day and yesterday pushed on to reach 413 for nine.
Canterbury safely negotiated four overs before stumps.
It will resume on three without loss and 228 runs in arrears with two days to play.
Volts coach Rob Walter was pleased with the way his side batted.
‘‘Everyone knows Wags’ potential with the bat and today he showed that, so that was good.’’
The left-hander offered a sharp chance at point early on but otherwise kept out of trouble.
Otago resumed on 81 for two but lost opener Brad Wilson for 36 before he was able to add much more to his overnight score of 29.
Neil Broom got set but was trapped lbw for 16 by Will Williams.
But Black Caps all-rounder Jimmy Neesham joined Wagner in the middle and the pair put on 150.
Wagner, who has seven first-class half centuries, clobbered 10 fours and two sixes in a three hour 46-minute stay at the crease.
He retired not out after reaching the milestone. Shortly after, Neesham was undone following an aggressive knock of 80 from 91 deliveries.
Mark Craig blazed 50 from 35 balls and his positive innings of 68 helped get his side past 400.
‘‘It was great for Neesham to get some time in the middle and get some runs under his belt.
‘‘He looked very good.
‘‘And Mark Craig has been out of competitive cricket for a long time and to come in at the end and bat the way he did and put on a nice partnership with Michael Rae was really good as well.’’
Canterbury’s attack shared the wickets but Williams was arguably the pick with two for 50 from 20 overs.
