The Otago Volts are ready to make it two in a row in the Twenty20 competition and have big names helping them along the way.
Coach Mike Hesson is looking forward to the challenges the HRV Cup brings, but he is sure the southern players can bring home the silverware once more and secure a spot at the Champion’s League.
The depth of the Volts is not to be sneered at, with the likes of BLACKCAPS Brendon McCullum, Neil Broom and Ian Butler donning the blue and gold. “They were the key players for us last year and this year we are looking for them to stand up. Broom, Butler and Nathan McCullum are also very handy with the ball.”
International import Yasir Arafat from Pakistan brings an overseas flavour to the side and Hesson said he will also be looking to Arafat for some match winning performances. “He’s an attacking right hand bat and a good bowler who can start and finish an innings. He’s an experienced player and we are looking for him to lead the attack.”
The secret to success for the Volts however is running the same game plan as last year’s victorious Twenty20 campaign. “The priority is getting the top order scoring significant runs and having the bowlers execute yorkers on demand,” Hesson said. “We are also very dynamic in the field and that is why we won last year.”
Hesson wants to experience the Champion’s League once more and wants to relive the experiences of the 2009 trip. “It was an amazing experience for everyone. The quality of the opposition and peripheral surrounding the game was just amazing.”
