BRISBANE (Reuters)
Nathan Astle scored a fine 223 for the New Zealanders against Queensland on Friday, but suffered a groin strain in the final warm-up match before next week's first Test against Australia.

Jeff Crowe, New Zealand's manager, said Astle had been taken to hospital for ultrasound treatment, but he believed the injury was not serious. "He didn't appear to be in any pain [while batting], he wasn't going to retire," said Crowe. "It is just precautionary. It was a little bit of a niggle and something to be checked out."

Astle was finally out for 223 as New Zealand declared at 444 for 9 on the second day of the four-day tour match. Queensland were 140 for 1 in reply at the close, with Australian Test opener Matthew Hayden unbeaten on 56.

Astle's seven-hour innings, during which he faced 380 balls, included 27 fours and two sixes. Astle, who resumed on 160 out of New Zealand's 332 for 6, fell with the score on 427 for 9, caught in the deep by Hayden off Andrew Symonds's offspin.

Adam Parore made 30 in a partnership of 110 for the seventh wicket with Astle before he was bowled by Symonds.

Fast bowlers Andrew Bichel, named in Australia's squad for the first test, and Mitchell Johnson took two wickets apiece.

New Zealand's only breakthrough in 43 overs in the field came when Queensland opener Jimmy Maher, left stranded by spinner Glen Sulzberger after an ambitious charge down the wicket, was stumped by Parore for 47.

The in-form Hayden said it was one of the flattest tracks he had ever seen at the Gabba, which will host next week's Test. "There will be a new intensity and a new level next week," he said, "and I think we'll see a different wicket – a quick, grassy wicket."

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