McCullum runs hot

Brendon McCullum

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New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum signalled a warning to England ahead of the Test series with a blistering century for Otago.

McCullum smashed 170 off just 108 balls to earn the Volts a seven-wicket win over Auckland Aces in the final of the State Shield 50-over competition at Eden Park.

In an epic encounter, the competition’s leading scorer Martin Guptill hit a century in Auckland’s total 310 for seven.

But McCullum and skipper Craig Cumming put on 194 for the third wicket to ease Otago to victory inside 42 overs.

McCullum travels to Hamilton on Monday ahead of the first Test against England.