McCullum warms-up with rapid hundred

Brendon McCullum scored a century off 83 balls as New Zealand plundered the Worcestershire attack at New Road here Wednesday ahead of their forthcoming one-day clashes with England.

McCullum's 123 was the centrepiece of New Zealand's 358 for eight in 50 overs and came just two days before the lone Twenty20 fixture against England at Old Trafford - the prelude to five one-day internationals.The total fell just short of the record 50-over score on the ground of 365 for seven made by Worcestershire against Scotland last season. Wicket-keeper McCullum, one of the most free-scoring one-day batsmen in world cricket, was especially severe on Australian pace bowler Steve Magoffin.He took three boundaries in four balls off Magoffin and his six off the same bowler brought up a fifty stand with fellow opener Jamie How. McCullum's hundred featured two sixes and nine fours.He was eventually out for 123, caught at mid-wicket off seamer Chris Whelan. But all-rounders Scott Styris (36) and Jacob Oram (24) kept the tempo high as New Zealand piled on the runs.