New Zealand 277 and 297 for 8 (Bruce 104*, Solia 62, Foxcroft 53) lead Australia A 275 by 299 runs

Bruce, the New Zealand A captain, reached a 148-ball century deep in the final session during which he passed 5000 first-class runs. By the close, the visitors held a lead of 299 and were seemingly set for a declaration in the morning.

For much of the day the tempo was sedate with New Zealand A, who were a batter down in the absence of injured wicketkeeper Mitch Hay due to a fractured wrist, rarely looking to the increase the scoring rate.

Australia A had a depleted attack for much of the day with Ben Dwarshuis (back) and Nathan McAndrew (illness) becoming unavailable. It meant an increased workload for Perry and Hatcher who shouldered it impressively, taking their combined match tally to 14 wickets.

“Ben came off with some back soreness and we certainly hope it’s nothing too serious,” Australia A coach Adam Voges said. “[It] puts a big load into the rest of the bowlers and thought they all did a great job. We had guys who really stepped up and did a great job. Mitch Perry got some late rewards.”