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Finch, Carters enter record books

Cricket Australia XI duo break 93-year-old record on day two against the Black Caps

Aaron Finch and Ryan Carters have created history in Blacktown, combining for the highest first-class opening partnership on Australian soil. 

Quick Single: Live CA XI v New Zealand scorecard

The CA XI pair surpassed Ernie Mayne and Bill Ponsford's 1923-24 record of 456 for Victoria at the MCG in the morning session of day two during their three-day tour match against New Zealand.

The duo reached the landmark of 457 with 45 minutes to go until lunch in the 114th over on Friday before the CA XI declared on 1-503.

The match is currently suspended with the pitch under inspection. 

Finch scored the majority of the partnership, more than doubling his previous best score of 122 in being unbeaten on 288.

WATCH: Finch motivated by axing

Carters was not to be overshadowed, registering his fifth first-class century, and beat his previous career-high of 198 with a superb 209.

CA XI captain Ashton Turner wasted no time in batting first when he won the toss yesterday on a pitch that was already cracking under the hot sun in Sydney's greater west.

Carters was put down off Mark Craig's first delivery early in the morning session of day one – a  difficult chance at bat pad that must feel like a lifetime ago to the Black Caps.

Both players reached their century before tea, before Finch upped the ante in the final session as New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum employed unique field settings and nine different bowlers to find a breakthrough.

WATCH: Carters stars for CA XI

"They didn’t leave anything untried," Finch told CrocMedia of New Zealand's efforts on day one.

"Most of them bowled except the keeper and Ross Taylor.

"I don’t think the wicket helped them one bit. It wasn’t ideal for their preparation leading into the Gabba but they stuck to their plans."

New Zealand's lethal new-ball combination of Tim Southee and Trent Boult bowled just three overs between them, with the former leaving the field unwell after five overs yesterday, while the latter was rested for the match.

The all-time opening record is 561, held by Pakistani pair Waheed Mirza and Manzoor Akhtar, set in 1976-77.