Strang to coach Auckland A

Former Zimbabwe international Paul Strang and ex-BLACKCAP Matt Horne will coach the Auckland A cricket team at this year’s national tournament in Christchurch, starting next week.

Head coach Strang and assistant Horne, who retired from first-class cricket last year, have selected Tim Lythe as captain and six past or present State Auckland Aces players.

Strang said: ‘I think we have a strong team in all departments and we will be looking to improve on last year’s performance where some good cricket did not translate into good results.”

Auckland A: Carl Cachopa, Derek de Boorder (Wicket-keeper), Colin de Grandhomme, Pieter Erasmus, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hayne, Anuru Kitchen, Tim Lythe (captain), Tim McIntosh, Colin Munro, Tarun Nethula, Lance Shaw, Paul Thomas.