Umpire Billy Bowden shakes his head to indicate not out, but then sends Brad Wilson on his way.

Kiwi cricket umpire Brent "Billy" Bowden has had another change of heart in the middle.

Bowden was at the centre of the drama on day two of the Plunket Shield opening round match between Canterbury and Otago at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Tuesday.

He initially shook his head when Canterbury quick Will Williams and team-mates appealed for a caught behind dismissal of Otago opener Brad Wilson, who was on 58.

STUFF Eccentric Kiwi cricket umpire Billy Bowden changed his decision during a Plunket Shield match in Christchurch.

The disappointed Canterbury players put their hands on their heads, only for Bowden to remarkably walk to the stumps and change his decision, raising his trademark crooked finger.

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Whether Wilson got a faint touch on the ball is debateable with Williams' bouncer appearing to miss both bat and glove on the way through to wicketkeeper Cameron Fletcher.

It isn't the first time Bowden has changed his mind in a New Zealand domestic match.

Last December in a Twenty20 clash between Northern Districts and Central Districts, wicketkeeper Tim Seifert appealed for a caught behind decision against star Stags import Mahela Jayawardene.

Bowden's arm kept rising as if he was going to give Jayawardene out. He decided the next best thing to do would be to adjust his hat, rather than give the former Sri Lankan legend out.

Otago were dismissed for 216 in their first innings on Tuesday, in reply to Canterbury's 155, giving them a handy 61-run advantage.