A record third-wicket stand between Wellington Firebirds pair Devon Conway and Michael Bracewell has the ACES behind the game at the Basin Reserve.
Day Two promised so much when Kyle Jamieson snared Rachin Ravindra, caught at gully by Mark Chapman. Under bright blue skies, Conway and Bracewell then took over, coming together at 51/2 and still at the crease at stumps with their side in control at 312/2.
A wicketless afternoon session left captain Robbie O’Donnell rotating his bowlers in search of a breakthrough. The second new ball offered the ACES a second chance to make inroads, but by then Conway had brought up his 18th First-Class century and his fifth for Wellington.
Bracewell wasn’t far off his century either, on 79, when Jamieson and Ferns were thrown the new ball in the final session. The left-hander took his time through the 90s, but wouldn’t be denied an 8th First Class century.
The new third-wicket partnership record for Wellington against Auckland stands at 261 off 536 balls.
It’s certainly an uphill task for the ACES with two days left to play, but the side has shown great character and resilience so far this campaign and will need to dig deep once again.
Wellington’s star duo Conway (149) and Bracewell (123) will resume on Day Three with the Firebirds holding a lead of 33.