The 2008/09 Twenty20 season didn’t go to plan for the Northern Knights. But, captain James Marshall is optimistic about the new HRV Cup and he is hoping his team will take home the silverware.
“We were disappointed with our result last year but we have put in a lot of discussions about our game,” he said. “For us it’s about evolving and progressing the game no matter how we do. We’d just like to improve.”
Although the champions of the HRV Cup will earn a place at the Champions League in 2010, the Knights are staying focused on the game at hand. “Representing New Zealand at the Champions League would just be a bonus for us; a reward for getting our processes right throughout the HRV Cup.”
BLACKCAPS skipper Daniel Vettori will be taking to the park during the HRV Cup for the Northern Knights, along with Tim Southee, BJ Watling, Peter McGlashan Daniel Flynn and Brent Arnel. Marshall said having these players back will add depth and experience to the side. “Adding Dan into the mix with the bat and ball adds an interesting dimension. It’s going to be great to have him involved.”
Another international adding depth to the Knights team during the HRV Cup is batting sensation Thilkaratne Dilshan. The Sri Lankan was the highest run scorer in the Twenty20 world cup in England earlier this year and he will be a welcomed addition to the Knights side.
“Dilshan is arguably the best Twenty20 batsman going in world cricket at the moment. It is a significant move for us to sign him and have him coming out to New Zealand,” said Northern Districts Cricket CEO David Cooper.
“We believe that his presence will assist our team and our players in much the same way Andrew Strauss did in early 2008. I have no doubt New Zealand crowds will enjoy watching him too.”
