Promising keeper rescues Otago

A timely maiden Plunket Shield century from one of the most promising young wicketkeepers in the country has helped the Otago Volts remain in contention in Alexandra.

Max Chu carried Otago through to 342 in their first innings yesterday with a patient and unbeaten maiden firstclass ton that kept him in the middle for just under six hours, over two days.

With the recent retirement of BJ Watling – following the Black Caps’ ICC World Test Championship victory – and his replacement Tom Blundell having just turned 31, there is a long-term vacancy going and Chu, 21, could be a prime candidate in the coming seasons.

Otago’s innings was stuttering along in a precarious position at 185-7 heading into day two at Molyneux Park, with Chu unbeaten on 30. He lost overnight partner Angus McKenzie early on day two but put on a record-breaking partnership with No 10 Jamie Gibson.

Gibson, who became Brett Randell’s fifth wicket to give him another careerbest performance, reached his maiden first-class half-century as he and Chu put on 104 – an Otago record for the ninth wicket against Northern Districts. Chu was left stranded on 103 not out, an innings that included 14 fours.

In response, Northern Districts – playing in just their second match of the season after Covid-19 lockdowns have plagued the early part of their Plunket Shield campaign – got off to a super start with former Black Cap Jeet Raval and Henry Cooper putting on 161 for the opening wicket.

Otago left-arm spinner Michael Rippon finally made a breakthrough late in the final session when he trapped Raval in front for 89.

Night-watchperson Randell joined Cooper, with Northern still trailing Otago’s first innings score by 180 runs.

At Molyneux Park, Alexandra (day two): Otago Volts 342 (Max Chu 103 not out, Nick Kelly 57, Jamie Gibson 50, Hamish Rutherford 37; Brett Randell 5-56, Zak Gibson 2-104), Northern Districts 162-1 (Jeet Raval 89, Henry Cooper 63 not out).