Auckland
Last season: Winners
Coach: Paul Strang
Squad: Gareth Hopkins (captain), Michael Bates, Colin DeGrandhomme, Roneel Hira, Richard Jones, Anaru Kitchen, Greg Morgan, Tarun Nethula, Jeet Ravel, Lance Shaw, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, Reece Young, Martin Guptill, Kyle Mills, Tim McIntosh, Ravi Bopara
The current holders will again be strong contenders thanks to a potent seam attack and strong batting line up. BLACKCAP Gareth Hopkins has taken over the captaincy from veteran Richard Jones, who still has plenty to offer with the bat. Young Jeet Ravel will be one to watch after debuting last year with a double century and touring with the New Zealand Emerging Players. The Aces are looking in good shape with a talented mix of players and there is no reason why they can’t retain their four-day title and be the first team to lift the Plunket Shield in the new era.
Canterbury Wizards
Last season: Sixth
Coach: Bob Carter
Squad: Kruger van Wyk (captain), Corey Anderson, Todd Astle, Hamish Bennett, Leighton Burtt, Jason Donnelly, Andrew Ellis, Peter Fulton, Johann Myburgh, Rob Nicol, Michael Papps, Shanan Stewart, Shane Bond, Chris Martin
The Canterbury Wizards will be hoping that new arrivals Chris Martin and Rob Nicol from Auckland can herald a reverse in fortunes from a poor 2008/09 showing. They have the strike power in Martin, Andrew Ellis and Leighton Burtt to bowl teams out and that’s what it takes to win four-day matches. Hard hitting Shanan Stewart and youngster Corey Anderson will be hoping to transfer their solid limited overs form from last season into the longer form of the game. The Wizards will need former BLACKCAPS Peter Fulton and Michael Papps to be at their best if they are to reverse their form from last season.
Central Stags
Last season: Second
Coach: Dermot Reeve
Squad: Jamie How (captain), Doug Bracewell, Brendon Diamanti, Bevan Griggs, Peter Ingram, Mitchell McClenaghan, Michael Mason, Brad Patton, Mathew Sinclair, Ewen Thompson, Timothy Weston, George Worker, Jacob Oram, Ross Taylor, Graham Napier
The Central Stags have a solid looking batting line up with Jamie How, Peter Ingram and last season’s Domestic Player of the Year Mathew Sinclair leading the way. Mixed in with the experienced campaigners are talented youngsters Doug Bracewell and George Worker who are looking to build on last seasons success. The Stags bowling line-up lacks depth but can be destructive on its day, with Mitchell McClenaghan and Michael Mason heading up the attack.
Northern Knights
Last season: Fourth
Coach: Grant Bradburn
Squad: James Marshall, Graeme Aldridge, Trent Boult, Te Ahu Davis, Bruce Martin, Peter McGlashan, Michael Parlane, Bradley Scott, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Brad Wilson, Joseph Yovich, Brent Arnel, Daniel Flynn, Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee
The Knights will lose Daniel Flynn, Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee to the national team for much of the season but still have plenty of talented players in their squad. A powerful batting line up will be lead by the experienced James Marshall and Michael Parland with promising youngsters BJ Watling and Kane Williamson groomed as stars of the future. It is team that appears to have all bases covered with quality spinners, seamers, batsmen and fielders.
Otago
Last season: Fifth
Coach: Mike Hesson
Squad: Craig Cumming (captain), Nick Beard, Derek de Boorder, Shaun Haig, Mat Harvie, Nathan McCullum, James McMillan, Warren McSkimming, Leighton Morgan, Aaron Redmond, Greg Todd, Neil Wagner, Ian Butler, Neil Broom, Brendon McCullum, Yasir Arafat
After a very disappointing season last time around, the Volts will be expected to transfer their undoubted talent into on-field success. If their big names can fire, they have the players to turn things around. The bulk of the run-scoring responsibility will lie with Craig Cumming and Aaron Redmond with all rounder Nathan McCullum also expected to play a leading role with the bat. Tearaway quick Neil Wagner will lead the attack, with young spinner Nick Beard expected to make an impression after gaining two caps last season.
Wellington Firebirds
Last season: Third
Coach: Anthony Stuart
Squad: Matthew Bell Captain, Harry Boam, Dewayne Bowden, Josh Brodie, BJ Crook, Mark Gillespie, Andy McKay, Cameron Merchant, Chris Nevin, Neal Parlane, Robbie Schaw, Luke Woodcock, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, James Franklin, Grant Elliott, Iain O'Brien,
On paper they have a strong squad and they look like a team which will take a lot of beating. The batting line up is of international standard with Matthew Bell, Chris Nevin, Jesse Ryder, James Franklin, Grant Elliott having all played for the BLACKCAPS with stalwart Neal Parlane unlucky not to have been given a call up. Nineteen year old Harry Boam is set to make a big impression with bat and ball after making his debut last season. Still smarting from narrowly missing out on the final last season they are keen to make an impression this time around.
