After the weather rained on the Wizards’ parade in the 2009 Twenty20 final, the team are ready to battle it out to take home the HRV Cup this season.
Coach Bob Cater said the HRV Cup will become the premier competition in New Zealand cricket. “There’s so much to gain, not only winning it domestically but entry into the Champion’s League and IPL contracts.”
He said last year’s final was “gut wrenching” however his team is going to put in a good campaign this season in hopes of lifting the silverware, and with the depth of the team, the Wizards will be the ones to watch this season. “We’ve built on the squad this year which creates competition for places within the team,” he said. “It’s important to retain experience and getting Chris Martin back is good.”
He’s disappointed that pace bowler Shane Bond won’t be available for the opening rounds, however the experience they lose in Bond they make up in former BLACKCAP Craig McMillan, who has returned to the team after a two year absence. “He brings a wealth of experience into the side and he’s got a lot of experience playing in the Indian leagues so hopefully that bodes well for the Wizards.”
Players to watch during the HRV Cup include middle-order batsman Shanan Stewart who last year played so well during the Twenty20 competition that he secured a place in the New Zealand A side. Bowlers Rob Nicol and Johannes Mybergh provide the spin in the bowling line up while Chris Martin will add the pace to the attack.
