'I was just hoping to get off the mark' - Papps

How do you celebrate skittling the opposition out for 62? If you're Wellington's Michael Papps and Luke Woodcock, you put on the biggest opening partnership in your country's first-class history. The pair added 432 together, a record in New Zealand first-class cricket, and the second-highest stand for any wicket in the Plunket Shield. In the process, Papps, at 38 years 114 days, became the oldest player from New Zealand to score a triple-century.

Following his marathon 316 (553 minutes, 435 balls, 51 fours and a six), Papps said forget records, he was just hoping to avoid bagging a duck - like five out of the top seven from Auckland did. "I was just hoping to get off the mark and anything else was a bonus, to be honest," Papps said at stumps on day two, according to stuff.co.nz. "Our guys bowled really well yesterday, and, certainly, there were periods where their guys got it right and it was difficult.

"It was kissing through, there was some good pace in it, particularly Lockie Ferguson, but it's a good wicket. If you [bowlers] don't get it right, it's good for scoring."

"I'm obviously pretty pleased, but pretty knackered now, to be honest. It hasn't really sunk in yet. I was in a pretty clear mind most of the innings. We got ourselves in a good position and I just wanted to keep pushing that on for the guys."

Batting with a familiar partner helped, Papps said. "Woody and I know each other pretty well. We've batted together a lot over the past couple of years. It's always good to keep feeding off each other and keep the momentum going."

Wellington eventually declared on 553 for 3. Auckland did better in their second innings, closing the second day at 73 for 1, but the deficit still stood at 418.