Cricket: First-class century No2 for Bracewell

Doug Bracewell

He is going to be a spectator during the ICC World Cup from this weekend but that doesn't mean Doug Bracewell is going to take things easy.

The Devon Hotel Central Districts Stags allrounder yesterday carved up his second first-class career century during their rain-affected Plunket Shield match against the Otago Volts in Queenstown.

The Black Caps test seamer's 105 runs at No6 off 98 balls, including 16 boundaries and a lusty six, provided the platform and resurrected the innings for the George Worker-captained CD, who were all out for 289 on day three in 75.2 overs.

Fellow test seamer Neil Wagner picked up a 19th first-class five-wicket bag on a strip that resembled a wet kitchen sponge after wintry showers cleared on Saturday (to allow for three overs) with day one lost entirely to a treacherous outfield.

"We've got a couple of guys out in Barney [Kieran Nomea-Barnett] and Krugs [captain Kruger van Wyk] so I took the opportunity to go up higher and enjoyed it," Bracewell said, lauding debutant Tom Bruce for his 54 at No5.

The hosts, who won the toss, were 13 without loss at stumps.

Volts coach Dimitri Mascarenhas said: "We could have easily knocked them over for 170-180, but Bruce and Bracewell played really good innings and took it away from us a bit at the end."

Bracewell said it was difficult because the wicket didn't offer much and "Neil bowled very well for his five".

"It's an exciting time for the New Zealand cricket team. There's a lot of cricket left for me to play. All I can do is put my hand up to contribute to CD so we can finish the season well."

CD coach Heinrich Malan said Bracewell was pushing for higher honours and knocks like yesterday's would be good for his resume. CD have 105 overs to claim wickets today.