A run-scoring avalanche from Otago's top-order would have given coach Mike Hesson a warm glow as first-class cricket made a chilly return in Christchurch. The visitors were outstanding on the opening day of the season against a depleted Canterbury attack, ending the day on 352 for 4. The only sour notes were the fact that none of Otago's top four could reach three figures and that Neil Broom was dismissed on the last ball of the day after a bright cameo (45 off 54 balls).
Before him openers Craig Cumming (63), hoping for an international recall, and Jordan Sheed set the tone with an opening stand of 119. Aaron Redmond (75) and Greg Todd (77 not out) then shared an identical third-wicket stand before Redmond chipped out to point when a century beckoned on a flat wicket with a fast outfield. Leighton Burtt was the best of the eight Canterbury bowlers captain Chris Harris turned to, taking 2 for 78 from 19 overs.