Wellington are scrambling on the third day of cricket's Plunket Shield opening round against Otago at the Basin Reserve

The visitors declared on 522 for nine.

The hosts have moved to 136 for five following on, still trailing by 162 runs.

Central Districts are also following-on...now 67 for three in reply to Auckland's 406 at Palmerston North, that's 148 runs behind.

Aces pace bowler Jock McKenzie took five for 35 from 17 overs in the Stags' first innings of 191.

Northern Districts are 124 for one in their second innings against Canterbury in Rangiora, leading by 113.