State Auckland Aces and State Otago Volts meet for the second time in a week with the State Shield on the line.
The State Twenty20 finalists repeat last Sunday’s final at 50-over level at Dunedin’s University Oval, with Auckland seeking to double up and Otago out to gain revenge for their defeat at Eden Park.
The Aces have BLACKCAPS Lou Vincent and Scott Styris back in their squad, Martin Guptill and all-rounder Keeley Todd making way.
Young batsman Colin de Grandhomme keeps his place in the middle order after an impressive debut where he combined with the in-form Dave Houpapa in an 86 run fifth wicket partnership in the semi-final win over State Wellington Firebirds at the Basin Reserve.
Coach Mark O’Donnell said: “It’s great to have both Scott and Lou back, and it’s a great position to be in as a coach to have to agonise over who to leave out.
“I think the win in Wellington in the semi-final really showed just how well this side is playing as a unit at the moment, and that’s what we’ll need.”
Otago, seeking their first trophy in 19 years, will be without pace bowler James McMillan.
The seamer missed the State Twenty20 final with a side strain and has not yet recovered.
Otherwise, the Volts recall Craig Smith and Shaun Haig to their squad.
Teams:
State Auckland Aces: Richard Jones (captain), Paul Hitchcock, Lou Vincent, Rob Nicol, Scott Styris, David Houpapa, Colin de Grandhomme, Mayu Pasupati, Andre Adams, Reece Young, Chris Martin, Roneel Hira.
State Otago Volts (from): Craig Cumming (captain), Craig Gaffaney, Aaron Redmond, Neil Broom, Craig Smith and Shaun Haig, Greg Todd, Gareth Hopkins, Nathan McCullum, Brad Scott, Warren McSkimming, Nic Turner, Matthew Harvie.
- State Shield final, University Oval, Saturday 10 February
- Live scores at BLACKCAPS.co.nz from 12midday.
- TV coverage on Sky Sports from 11.30am, and commentary on Radio Sport.
