McCullum streak to ton in warm-up

New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum has marked to a century next to Australia A in a warm up match of their Australian tour in Brisbane.

McCullum cut a four throughout point to the boundary to bring up his triple figures innings, smash 15 fours and five sixes off 85 balls on the opening day of the 4 day match.

The visitors raced to 106 runs without loss by lunch and were cruise after the interval before the opening partnership of Brendan Guptill (43) and McCullum was broken in the 29th over.

Guptill look to be on his way to the half-century mark after beating a patient 43 runs innings off 89 balls but an attempt cut shot fell short to Nic Maddinson at gully.

The Black Caps sit at 164/1 with Kane Williamson (3 runs) joining McCullum at the crease.

New Zealand team:

Ross Taylor (c) - Central Stags
Trent Boult - Northern Knights
Doug Bracewell - Central Stags
Dean Brownlie - Canterbury Wizards
Martin Guptill - Auckland Aces
Chris Martin - Auckland Aces
Brendon McCullum - Otago Volts
Jesse Ryder - Wellington Firebirds
Tim Southee - Northern Knights
Kane Williamson - Northern Knights
Reece Young - Canterbury Wizards

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Subramaniam Badrinath eyes No.6 spot in India's Test squad

While there are quite a few in the race to grasp the No. 6 spot in India's Test squad, Tamil Nadu's middle-order basis Subramaniam Badrinath, on Wednesday, claim that he was the best bet for that position.

"I have been to come in the sidelines. Honestly, there is just one spot left (in the middle-order). To be truthful, I do not want to be that one guy who is only in the squad and not playing. I want to play in the eleven and that is my biggest inspiration," Badrinath said.

"I have been in the national team for a while but didn't get a chance to play. In the back of my mind I know I haven't actually lost. Maybe the spots would open up soon and I sense I am the best guy to do the job," insist the 31-year-old, who has played two Tests and seven ODIs.

Stating that Michael Hussey, who made his international debut at the age of almost 30, is his "idol", Badrinath said, "I have spoken to him quite a lot concerning this (the age). I am backing my fitness, which has forever been my strength.

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