Fresh off an outstanding career best first-class 196 against India A at Hagley Oval, DANE CLEAVER has made a sound start to the second Test warm-up between the two nations at a lonely Bert Sutcliffe Oval.

Cleaver headed to stumps unbeaten on 46*, poised to add a half century at least in the wake of his rearguard 196 in last week's drawn runfest.

The Stags wicketkeeper-batsman has shone in all formats with the bat this season as he continues to remind selectors he has something to offer at the top level, given the opportunity.

Cleaver made his NZ A debut last season in the UAE after years in the shadows of other keepers around the country.

By the end of the first day, NZ A had ploughed to 275 for five after captain Hamish Rutherford elected to bat, albeit without anyone really kicking on.

SCORES

Rutherford and Will Young put on 67 for the first wicket before Rutherford was caught on 40, one of two to fall in the first session.

Young had been patient and concentrated for his start, but the Stags batsman would be stumped after lunch on 26, at 105 for three.

Glenn Phillips, batting at four, provided some solidity through the middle session, with a comparitively breezy 65 of 85 balls before India A struck back with a double breakthrough before tea.

Avesh Khan pocketed both Phillips and Tim Seifert (30) who had joined the Aucklander in a 76-stand for the fourth wicket.

India A would be frustrated by the last session, though, no further celebrations for the visitors as Cleaver - fresh off his career-best 196 in his previous innings - and Daryl Mitchell built a sixth-wicket stand that had reached 86* by stumps.

Keeping Test player Ashwin wicketless for the day, Cleaver is poised on 46 not out overnight and Mitchell 36* heading into the second morning, with honours fairly even in the final Test series warm up.

Article added: Saturday 08 February 2020