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Summary New Zealand declared its first innings at 495-7 on the 3rd day of one-off Test against Zimbabwe.
B.J. Watling reached a maiden test century on Saturday before New Zealand declared its first innings at 495 for seven on the third day of its one-off test against Zimbabwe.In his seventh test and first as wicketkeeper, Watling became the fifth New Zealand gloveman to post a test century when he took his overnight score from 52 to 102 before the declaration just before drinks in the morning session.New Zealand resumed at 392-5 after only 15.2 overs were bowled on the rain-affected second day and added 103 runs in 18.2 overs before declaring.Watling was 94 when he received a message that New Zealand would declare at the end of the current over. He hit a four, then survived a run out to reach his century from 148 balls.Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Ross Taylor was Saturday ruled out of the remainder of the Zimbabwe series by a calf strain which forced him to retire hurt on 122 in the first innings of the Test.Taylor was attempting a quick single early Friday as he built on his sixth Test century when he tore his right calf and was forced to hobble from the field.Following hospital treatment, he said he would be sidelined for three to four weeks.New Zealand are playing one Test, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches against Zimbabwe before hosting South Africa from February 19.While it is early days, our target is to have Ross available for the one day series against South Africa in late February, New Zealand physiotherapist Paul Close said.Meanwhile, a full days play was expected in Napier Saturday after much of Friday was washed out by rain.
