With the Black Caps' misfiring top order, some high scores on day two of domestic cricket's latest Plunket Shield matches may have given the national selectors food for thought for the upcoming home series against England.
Otago are 570 for five to Wellington's 254 all out in Dunedin, largely thanks to a 291-run third wicket partnership between Otago's Michael Bracewell, who hit 190, and Neil Broom, who made 134.
In Hamilton Northern Districts are 530 for five at stumps in reply to Auckland's 240 all out, Northern profiting from centuries to Daniel Flynn who struck 166 and Brad Wilson, 139.
Central Districts lead by 88 runs early in their second innings in Napier against Canterbury.
The Stags declared on 303 for eight in reply to Canterbury's 292 all out, and the hosts are 77 for two at stumps.
Former Black Caps captain Ross Taylor made an inauspicious return to the first class scene, scoring only four runs for Central.
