Tom Bruce continues outrageous 2022 run spree:
Defending Plunket Shield champion the Auckland Aces are in a tough spot on just the second afternoon of a rapid game at Kennards Hire Community Oval, the Central Stags having pocketed a 286-run first innings lead.
The Aces are under the pump to avoid their second consecutive defeat at home after opposition skipper, and joint NZC 2022 Men’s Domestic Player of the Year, Tom Bruce continued his prolific, drought-breaking 2022 Plunket Shield form with an innings of 169 for Central.
Yesterday the Stags had rolled the Aces for 75, and today they responded with a first innings total of 361 after Bruce’s third first-class Plunket Shield century in his last four matches, including two unbeaten double centuries at the close of last summer.
Consolation for the Aces came in the form of an impressive performance from leg-spinning rising star Adithya Ashok who claimed a maiden five-wicket bag (5-106). The Indian-born 20-year-old Aucklander sealed his bag after a marathon 40.4 overs with the final wicket of Bruce.
