Guptill in good touch ahead of Test return

LONDON: New Zealand´s Martin Guptill warmed up for his anticipated return to Test cricket next week with a quickfire fifty on Saturday in the Black Caps´ final warm-up fixture before their series opener with England.

Guptill was 61 not out in a second innings total of 89 for two at stumps on the third day of four against Worcestershire, having faced 85 balls including seven fours and two sixes.

The 28-year-old opener was the leading run-scorer at the recent one-day World Cup, where New Zealand reached the final before losing to co-hosts Australia.

His tally of 547 runs included a remarkable 237 not out against the West Indies -- the highest individual score in the tournament´s 40-year history -- during a quarter-final win in Wellington.

Last month, Guptill scored a maiden first-class double century, making 227 off just 176 balls for English county side Derbyshire against Gloucestershire.

But the Auckland batsman has not played Test cricket, in which he averages a modest 29.62, since winning the last of his 31 caps in the five-day game during New Zealand´s last tour of England two years ago.

Earlier on Saturday, Worcestershire made 291 for seven declared in reply to the tourists´ 261 for nine declared.

Ross Whiteley top-scored with an unbeaten century after the Midlands county, who resumed on 65 for one, quickly declined to 75 for four with England all-rounder Mooen Ali among a trio of batsmen who all fell cheaply.

Several New Zealand pacemen took two wickets apiece, with left-armer Neil Wagner taking two for 17 in 14 overs.

Guptill´s innings then gave New Zealand a lead of 59 heading into the last day. (AFP)