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Ryder, Taylor centuries for NZ in drawn tour game

Jesse Ryder and captain Ross Taylor hit a century each as New Zealand tuned up for next week’s opening Test with a high-scoring draw with Australia A in a four-day tour match in Brisbane.

Ryder equalled the record for most sixes in a first-class game with 16 in his free-hitting 175 off 137 balls, while Taylor hit a more sedate 138 off 171 deliveries, with seven sixes.

The Black Caps were 467 for six in their second innings and holding an overall lead of 495 runs when stumps were called early on the final day.

Ryder’s six-fest equalled the feat of Australian Andrew Symonds and England’s Graham Napier.

Ryder shared in a 108-ball, 122-run fifth-wicket stand with Dean Brownlie, who contributed only 19 runs as the big left-hander ran amok. Brownlie went on to score an unbeaten 53.

Australia A were content to largely rest the three young quicks selected for Thursday’s first Test at the Gabba - Ben Cutting (2-61), Mitchell Starc (1-45) and James Pattinson (0-31).

Joining the three Test debutant fast bowlers is another newcomer opener David Warner in an injury-ravaged Australian squad to take on New Zealand.

The Australians will field an inexperienced side after injuries ruled out Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson, Patrick Cummins, Ryan Harris and Shaun Marsh.

Eighth-ranked New Zealand will play fourth-ranked Australia in two Tests in Brisbane and Hobart.