With the men's one-day kicking off around the country we take a look at how the domestic team stack up. Tickets are available at the gate for all matches.
Northern Knights
Last season: Winners
Young talent to watch: Kane Williamson
Wicket taker: Graeme Aldridge
Boundary hitter: Joseph Yovich
Dynamic fielder: James Marshall
Defending champions the Northern Knights will be looking to retain their one-day crown this year, as they build on excellent early form in the Plunket Shield competition.
The Knights are a stable unit, retaining most of their winning one-day team from the 2008/09 season. With exciting batsmen such as Peter McGlashan and Joey Yovich, and a strong seam attack led by Brent Arnel and Graeme Aldridge, James Marshall’s men will once more be a potent force in the shorter form of the game.
Otago Volts
Last season: Runners-up
Young talent to watch: Sam Wells
Wicket taker: Neil Wagner
Boundary hitter: Hamish Rutherford
Dynamic fielder: Nathan McCullum
The Volts will be looking to go one better in the 50 over competition this year, after losing to the Knights in the 2008/09 final by 49 runs.
They have strength in all areas of the game – Neil Wagner was the leading wicket taker in last season’s competition, whilst Hamish Rutherford and Craig Cumming ensure the batting unit is both exciting and experienced.
Canterbury Wizards
Last season: Third
Young talent to watch: Corey Anderson
Wicket taker: Leighton Burtt
Boundary hitter: Shanan Stewart
Dynamic fielder: Johannes Myburgh
The Wizards will be relying on a mixture of youth and experience in the one-day form of the game this season.
Veteran Chris Martin joins Leighton Burtt and Andrew Ellis in the Wizards seam attack, whilst another new signing, Rob Nicol, will bolster the batting side. Nicol, alongside hard hitting Shanan Stewart and the in-form Peter Fulton, should ensure the Wizards continue their impressive one-day record this season.
Central Stags
Last season: Fourth
Young talent to watch: George Worker
Wicket taker: Ewen Thompson
Boundary hitter: Jacob Oram
Dynamic fielder: Mathew Sinclair
Despite some strong individual performances, 2008/09 was a difficult season in the short form of the game for the Central Stags.
On paper they have an impressive team, with last year’s MVP Mathew Sinclair heading up the batting line up alongside current and former BLACKCAPS Jacob Oram and Jamie How. The Stags also have a formidable bowling attack, with seamers Ewan Thompson and Michael Mason, and promising youngster George Worker offering a spin option. Success for the Stags this season will depend on their ability to turn promise into concrete results on the field.
Wellington Firebirds
Last season: Fifth
Young talent to watch: Harry Boam
Wicket taker: Luke Woodcock
Boundary hitter: Matthew Bell
Dynamic fielder: Jeetan Patel
2008/09 was a season to forget for the Firebirds, as they failed to make the final in any of the three competitions on offer. They will be looking to make amends in the one-day competition this year.
The Firebirds have a strong batting line up this season. Captain Matthew Bell will no doubt lead by example, supported by Josh Brodie and Cameron Merchant who are both showing early form in the Plunket Shield. With the ball, much will be expected of Luke Woodcock and nineteen year old Harry Boam, who will play alongside recent recruit Andy McKay from Auckland.
Auckland Aces
Last season: Sixth
Young talent to watch: Jeet Ravel
Wicket taker: Daryl Tuffey
Boundary hitter: Richard Jones
Dynamic fielder: Roneel Hira
The Aces will be hoping for a reversal of fortunes from their 2008/09 showing in the one-day form of the game, where they only managed three wins in the competition.
New captain Gareth Hopkins will be relying on the experience of veteran Richard Jones to lead the batting line up, alongside promising youngster Jeet Ravel. Newly recalled BLACKCAP Daryl Tuffey will spearhead the seam attack, with Tarun Nethula offering variety in the form of his leg spin.
