McCullum shows form and fitness in warm-up loss

Prime Minister's XI 4 for 272 (Bailey 107*, Langer 72) beat New Zealanders 5 for 271 (McCullum 114, Fulton 53) by 6 wickets
Scorecard

Brendon McCullum eased any major concerns over a hip injury by blasting a century in the New Zealanders' warm-up defeat to the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. McCullum was used solely as a batsman after being hit at training on Wednesday, but showed few problems ahead of Sunday's opening Chappell-Hadlee Series match in Perth by scoring 114 as the tourists registered 5 for 271 in 50 overs.

McCullum, who arrived in Australia early to play for New South Wales, stayed for 130 balls and picked up nine fours and a six during a powerful display. Peter Fulton also displayed some form with a cautious 53 and Ross Taylor chipped in with 38. Clint McKay's 3 for 52 were the best figures while Moises Henriques and Jon Holland gained a wicket each.

George Bailey's unbeaten 107 set up the home team's success while Justin Langer, who captained the side, compiled an important 72 in a rare home outing. The openers Phillip Hughes (22), a serious contender for Matthew Hayden's Test spot, and Michael Klinger (6) had departed by the time the score reached 52, but Langer and Bailey put on 153 and the six-wicket win was sealed with 13 balls to spare. Ryan Carters, an Australia Under-19 representative, took the gloves for New Zealand in the second innings to give McCullum a rest.

While the result was a blow to the New Zealanders, their officials are confident Jesse Ryder will be ready to play in the second match of the Chappell-Hadlee Series in Melbourne next Friday after scans cleared him of major damage in his left shoulder. Ryder has swelling and pain in the joint but there is hope the injury will settle in a week following an injection. Gareth Hopkins, the Auckland wicketkeeper, will be in Perth as cover for McCullum while Craig Cumming, the Otago batsman, will also be there in case Ryder doesn't improve.