Debut bowler captures six Auckland wickets

Otago's Bradley Scott will never forget his first day of first-class cricket after taking six Auckland wickets for 48 runs at Carisbrook in Dunedin today.

When Otago won the toss and put Auckland into bat on the first day of the four-day Shell Trophy match at Carisbrook, it seemed unlikely that a full day of play would result because of predicted rain and hail. However, almost a full days play was possible (only 73 minutes lost in total) and Auckland after a shaky start finished up on 263/9.

A member of a well known Otago cricketing family, Scott had a dream debut in first-class cricket.

He made a boys' own start when having four of his wickets, for 12 runs from 11 overs he bowled before lunch.

A left-arm seam bowler from the Green Island club, he bowled a good line and length and told CricInfo that it was a great thrill to be chosen to play for Otago, and at Carisbrook especially, although it was regrettabled that injuries to team-mates neccessitated this.

He found that the wicket provided some movement early on and this assisted him but nevertheless it had been a great thrill to capture the four wickets in his first session on the field.

Richard King, the Auckland batsman, advised that although the wicket gave a little assistance, it was a very good batting strip and Scott had bowled very well. Scott went on to capture his sixth wicket later in the innings.

Auckland was 77/5 at lunch, but made a fine recovery in the afternoon session with Kyle Mills and Brooke Walker putting on 115 for the sixth wicket. It had been a real saver for Auckland who at one stage must have harboured serious doubts on reaching 150.

Mills scored an invaluable 63, Andre Adams 40 and Brooke Walker 65 not out. They were Auckland's major contributors. David Sewell with two for 62 and Craig Cumming with one for 25 completed the Otago successful bowling figures.

Auckland will be quite happy with a total of 263, with the possibility of more runs on day two and the prospect of a warmer day to play cricket on. Otago, after inserting their opponents, will also be reasonably happy with a good pitch to bat to chase first innings points.