The former Black Caps batsman Michael Papps has shown despite being in his 20th season of first class cricket his appetite for runs remains unabated, becoming the first Wellington player to score a first-class triple century.
Papps made 316 not out in Wellington's first innings of 553-3 declared against Auckland in their opening Plunket Shield match of the season at the Basin Reserve, as the home side posted a 491 run first innings lead having dismissed Auckland for just 62 in their first innings.
Papps, who's 38, combined with Luke Woodcock, who made 151, to put on 432 for the opening wicket breaking a number of records in the process.
Wellington batsman Michael Papps leaves the Basin Reserve after his history making innings. Photo: Photosport
It's the highest score by a Wellington batsman in first class cricket and the partnership is also the highest opening stand in New Zealand cricket history, surpassing Peter Ingram and Jamie How's 428-run stand for Central Districts in the 2009-10 season.
It's also the highest partnership for any wicket for Wellington.
He faced 435 balls, scoring 51 fours and one six. He was at the crease for over nine hours.
Papp's 316 not out is the seventh highest first class score by a New Zealand batsman and also makes his him the eighth oldest first class century maker in the history of the game.
His previous highest was 206 not out.
The Former New Zealnad captain Bert Sutcliffee sits at the top of that list with 385 for Otago against Auckland in the 1952/53 season.
It is the highest score by a Wellington batsman surpassing another former New Zealand captain, J R Reid who made 296 in the 1962/63 season.
The scorecard from the Wellington v Auckland match. Photo: NZ Cricket
