McIntosh marathon innings steers Auckland well clear of trouble

Stylish left-handed opener Tim McIntosh batted throughout the day mixing classical strokeplay with excellent judgement to take Auckland within sight of first innings points at the end of day three.

McIntosh began the day on 54 and by stumps he was undefeated on 172. His marathon innings has so far lasted 524 minutes, 438 balls, and has included 20 fours and a six.

He said he it was a great feeling to achieve the milestone of a first-class hundred and his highest score in any form of cricket. After fielding for a day and a half he had felt "a bit knackered" at the start of his innings yesterday, but today he felt capable of batting for long periods of time.

He had to endure being struck on the body and helmet by some venomous short-pitched bowling.

"He (Shane Bond) got me a beauty yesterday, just on the shoulder. There was a big bruise overnight, so I was quite happy to bounce back today and felt a bit more confident after seeing off a few overs from him."

He didn't play the hook or pull much throughout his innings as he had been dismissed in his previous innings against Northern Districts when attempting a pull shot.

He said his immediate goal was to cement his place in the Auckland team and he was aiming to score at least four first-class hundreds this season, while his long-term goal was to play for New Zealand.

Auckland cruised through the first hour with McIntosh and Lou Vincent adding 48 runs without offering a chance. With the ball 40 overs old Canterbury resorted to the bowling of Chris Harris but neither batter looked in a mood to gift their wicket to the bald avenger.

In the second session McIntosh went on to record his maiden first-class century. The 206 runs he added with Vincent for Auckland's fourth wicket eclipsed the previous record against Canterbury of 177 set by L.G. Hemus and A.E. Relf at Christchurch in 1907/08.

McIntosh offered a chance when on 112, edging a Shane Bond delivery with the second new ball low to wicket keeper Gareth Hopkins' left but the catch was spilled and Bond remained wicketless.

Wisneski finally ended the marathon partnership, which had lasted 272 minutes and 451 balls, claiming his fourth wicket when Vincent lazily cut a short, wide delivery to Jarred Englefield in the gully.

Tama Canning struck in breezy 35, adding 64 with McIntosh before mistiming a drive and being caught and bowled by Carl Anderson.

Richard Irving departed quickly for four, caught behind off the bowling of Wisneski, giving the tireless seamer five wickets for the innings.

Wisneski has been the pick of the Canterbury bowlers returning figures of 40 over, 5 for 115.

But the story of the day was McIntosh whose maiden undefeated century was an innings of genuine quality and assurance. The 21-year old looks to have a big future, starting tomorrow when he'll chase a double-century and hope to guide Auckland to first innings points.