Cricket: Otago makes a good start

Otago opening batsman Michael Bracewell has helped put his side into a useful position at lunch during its Plunket Shield game with Auckland at the University Oval.

Playing in just his second match, Bracewell had reached 61 at the break with Otago 107 for two.

He brought up his maiden first-class half century with a glorious straight drive down the ground and, in a highlight of the morning's play, took three consecutive boundaries off the bowling of Jimmy Neesham.

Neil Broom is at the wicket with him on 24.

Chris Martin was the pick of the Auckland bowlers with one for 13 from a tidy eight over spell.