Play has started on the third day of Plunket Shield's fifth round of eight in first-class cricket

Auckland are 152 for three in reply to Central Districts' 700 for five declared, which included Tom Bruce's 345.

Elsewhere, Otago are 277 for eight against hosts Wellington, trailing by 78 on the first innings.

Northern Districts are 216 for four, a lead of 272 over visitors Canterbury in their second dig.