Otago resists urge to press fringe players into action
OTAGO has resisted making many changes for its penultimate game of the season.
The Volts host Auckland in a firstclass game at the University Oval beginning on Sunday.
It has named its strongest team possible and ignored the urge to perhaps press some fringe players into action and see what they are capable of.
There are just two changes with opener Brad Wilson back from ‘‘daddy duty’’.
He replaces toporder batsman Josh TasmanJones, while Nathan Smith comes into the 12 and will probably carry the drinks.
He replaces spinner Mark
Craig, who has been ruled out with the shoulder injury he picked up while warming up during the last match.
The former Black Cap is still waiting to have a MRI scan, so it is unclear how long he will be sidelined, coach Rob Walter said.
‘‘His range of movement is still affected and he is not able to bowl properly’’, he said.
Craig’s absence will not be felt as keenly as it has in the past with legspinner Michael Rippon in good form. The 26yearold has claimed 14 wickets at an average of 23.35 this season.
Wilson has missed the past two games. His wife gave birth to the couple’s first child earlier this month.
Son Max came ‘‘a few weeks premature so we gave him time off to spend with his wife and his new child,’’ Walter said.
The Volts snapped a sixgame losing streak with a draw against Northern Districts in Whangarei earlier this week.
The draw was a little disappointing because the weather ruined what was shaping as an exciting finish.
Otago had a lead of 205 which it was hoping to expand into a tempting target.
The team is still struggling to get off to decent starts with the bat and that has been an area of focus this week.
Wilson’s return should help with that, although he has not been as productive this season with 317 runs at an average of 26.41.
Toporder batsman Shaun Hicks is still experiencing some concussion symptoms and was not considered.
Auckland’s squad was unavailable but the Aces have been playing some good cricket with four wins from eight games.
However, all the attention will be on the other two games.
Wellington and Central Districts are locked in a battle for the title and will be keeping a close eye on each other’s game.
Wellington (119 points) hosts Northern Districts at the Basin Reserve, while Central (107 points) will play Canterbury at McLean Park in Napier.