Adrian Seconi

From the moment Jacob Duffy was first sighted in Otago colours, there seemed to be something a bit special about the kid.

Former New Zealand and Otago seamer Ian Butler bristles when he is referred to as a senior statesman.

Wellington hosts Auckland in the preliminary final of the HRV Cup tonight. The winner will play Otago at the University Oval on Sunday. Cricket writer Adrian Seconi identifies four players who could have a big impact in the game.

For a so-called dead rubber, Otago's three-wicket win against Canterbury at the University Oval certainly packed in a lot of drama.

You might remember booing the last time former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee was in Dunedin.

Otago coach Vaughn Johnson swatted away any suggestions his side was in sight of a home final.

Otago is within reach of a home final and it has done it by playing the most consistent cricket.

While the rest of us were putting off that diet or fitness regime until at least the new year, or perhaps February or even March, the Highlanders squad had to be careful not to overindulge at Christmas.

Some cricketers never really retire. That is certainly the case for former Black Cap and Otago left-armer Shayne O'Connor.

Otago has just one more chance to lose a game before it is too late.

Selecting a greatest New Zealand test XI is a curly exercise, made even harder when you restrict its members to a maximum of just five tests. Cricket writer Adrian Seconi picks a team from players, who for whatever reason, were cut off in their prime.

Otago has won six games on the trot and is a win or two away from securing a home twenty/20 final. The Volts last won the tournament in 2008-09 and cricket writer Adrian Seconi highlights five reasons why they can repeat that effort this summer.

Iain Robertson has been added to the Otago side for its twenty/20 game against Wellington at the Basin Reserve tomorrow.

It is always nice when New Zealanders working abroad help each other out.

Rumours persist West Indies batting supremo Chris Gayle will make a cameo appearance for Central Districts against Otago at Pukekura Park on Sunday.

Otago is not considering tinkering with its top order despite not everything going quite to plan as it looks to continue a winning run.

Otago have consolidated their position at the top of the HRV Cup standings thanks to a comprehensive 93-run against Central Districts at the University Oval today.

Otago has gone quite nicely while three of its key players have been in South Africa.