The BLACKCAPS – back in New Zealand following their historic Test win against Australia in Hobart —are set to play in the opening round of HRV Cup domestic Twenty20 action this weekend.
With the exception on Daniel Vettori, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, the BLACKCAPS will be available for selection when the 2011-12 competition for domestic Twenty20 supremacy gets under way on Sunday 18 December.
Martin Guptill assures us that the team will be ready to go despite the short turn around.
“We can’t wait to get into it,” said Guptill. “Everyone over here has been talking about the HRV Cup for the last couple of days.
“Everyone loves to watch it, everyone loves to play in it and it’s just fun to be a part of.
“You get the chance to play in front of New Zealand and that’s always really exciting.”
In addition to the BLACKCAPS, cricket’s most prolific wicket taker, Muttiah Muralitheran, will be making his inaugural appearance in the HRV Cup competition in this weekend’s.
The Sri-Lankan magician will arrive in Auckland on Saturday night to join his Wellington Firebirds’ team mates as they prepare to take on defending champions the Auckland Aces at Colin Maiden Park. The game is much anticipated with the legendary off-spinner set to take on the likes of Martin Guptill and Andre Adams.
There is one round of HRV Cup action before Christmas, followed by a 27 further round-robin matches over the summer holiday season before the final on January 22.
HRV Cup
First round 18 December 2011:
Auckland Aces vs Wellington Firebirds -
Colin Maiden Park, Auckland - 2.00pm
Canterbury Wizards vs Northern Knights -
MainPower Oval, Rangiora - 2.00pm
Otago Volts vs Central Stags -
University Oval, Dunedin - 2.00pm
