Cricket: Van Wyk stars in run-fest

Stags wicket keeper Kruger van Wyk bobbles a ball after Wizards batsman Dean Brownlee is beaten on day two. Photo/Paul Taylor

Napier's McLean Park resembled Hawke's Bay Airport's tarmac runway yesterday, as both Central Districts and Canterbury piled on the runs during day two of their final Plunket Shield match.

Former Black Cap and CD wicket keeper Kruger van Wyk built from his strong platform by posting 111 not out after resuming the day's play on 44.

The diminutive player, known for his mental toughness, has been impressive in CD's last four first class matches, helping steer the team towards victory on multiple occasions.

Van Wyk's intelligent innings, which included only nine boundaries, found ample support from leg spinner Tarun Nethula who scored 81 before falling victim to fellow leggie Todd Astle.

Astle returned first class career best figures of 8-148 from 51.4 overs to keep his name in the hat for a Black Cap recall, as the team's premier spin bowling option on future tours.

The Stags were eventually bundled out for an imposing 403.

After losing Wizards captain Peter Fulton for 26, who may have still been contemplating his international career after a poor summer for the Black Caps, Canterbury produced a 147-run partnership between recent Black Cap debutant Tom Latham and former international Dean Brownlie.

Opening batsman Latham continued his break-out season with the bat to remain 118 not out at stumps yesterday, highlighting why the national selectors picked him in the final test against India in Wellington.

Brownlie, who was discarded by the national selectors after a poor return during the Black Caps' tour to England last year, will be keen to push on today from his solid start of 52 not out.

Spinner Ajaz Patel was the only Central Districts player to taste success yesterday, claiming the scalp of Fulton as Canterbury reached 205-1.

Day three will be a chance for both teams to play aggressive cricket and push for a win with Canterbury already crowned Plunket Shield champions following the last round of matches.