Black Caps strike bowler Tim Southee has found some form ahead of next month's tour of Australia, taking seven wickets for Northern Districts against Wellington on the opening day of their Plunket Shield clash.
Playing in just his second Plunket Shield match since 2009, Southee finished with 7-37 as Wellingtonwere dismissed for just 162 in their first innings.
Southee missed New Zealand's test victory over Zimbabwe last week after he suffered a knee strain.
Stephen Murdoch top scored for Wellington with 57 while Grant Elliott scored 48. Only one other player reached double figures for Wellington as Black Caps Jesse Ryder (0) and James Franklin (3) both failed with the bat.
In other matches Canterbury are 202 for four against Auckland with Dean Brownlie leading the way on 49 not out while Otago are struggling at 159 for six against Central Districts.
