Otago opts for the first innings points

Otago settled for two points from its first innings advantage after it was unable to restrict Auckland's tail wagging on the fourth morning of the Shell Trophy match at Carisbrook today.

When play started it seemed very real that one side or the other could get an outright victory.

In the event, Otago flew the white flag and the game was called off at 4pm with agreement of the captains and the chairmen of each association's nominee.

When play started Auckland at 157/6 had a lead of only 95 which meant their remaining batsmen had to score substantially to set Otago a good target. Otago, of course, needed four wickets but with Warren McSkimming injured were down a bowler with the new ball only eight overs away.

Score substantially Auckland did with Tama Canning leading the way with a fine innings of 72 while Kyle Mills, if not his equal was possibly his superior with 89 not out. Andre Adams with a fine 42 also contributed well.

And so Auckland left Otago 277 to get to win at 4.40 per over.

Matthew Horne and Mark Richardson opened for Otago but never really gained any momentum and when Richardson was out with the score at 37 in the 22nd over it had become obvious that New Zealands opening pair had decided the task too difficult to attempt and that the two first innings lead points gained were sufficient.

To be fair 276 is not a small run chase but on reflection the target was not six per over but 4.40 and from that aspect it deserved an attempt.

At 72/1 and tea, neither team returned to the field but Messrs George and Hill the umpires certainly did , as they strode to the centre of Carisbrook and pulled out six stumps. It was a disappointing end to a game which had seen some fine bowling and batting by both sides and which in the end saw the home team afraid to risk defeat to gain victory.