Star New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns was the focus of most people's attention in the New Zealand Academy-Otago two-day match at Lincoln Green yesterday, but Otago's gutsy lower order display allowed it to take first innings honours.

Cairns, who opened the bowling in glorious conditions again at the sun-baked ground, took his first wicket with his ninth ball of the day, Otago opener Andrew Hore caught by wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum when he played at a ball outside his off stump.

Cairns was clearly thrilled with the wicket so soon in the first bowling spell since his return from knee surgery.

"It was really good to be back on the field.

"But it is just another step in my rehabilitation.

"I have to continue to keep on working hard to reach my goal of playing in the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on November 8," he said.

Cairns finished with two for 25 from 10 overs and managed to find some early rhythm and on the odd occasion unleashed some particularly faster deliveries, while also finding some good bounce in the pitch.

However, the side's bowling honours in Otago's 307 belonged to Wade Cornelius who took four for 62 from his 22.2 overs while Taraia Robin took two for 77 and Sam Whiteman who took one for 58.

Yesterday the NZ Academy team was all out for 289.

But it was the Otago lower order, inspired by former New Zealand captain Lee Germon who scored 48 in 100 minutes, who recovered from 98/6 to add 209 for the last four wickets.

Nathan Morland scored 48, Craig Pryor 74 not out from 113 balls, including 13 fours while Evan Marshall scored 54 from 78 balls. Pryor and Marshall added 108 runs for the ninth wicket.

In their second innings the Academy side were 52 without loss with Brendon McCullum 34 not out and Jamie How 14 not out.

Another two-day game between the two sides will start tomorrow.

© CricInfo