Hicks, Renwick fit for season opener

OTAGO’S injury concerns have been laid to rest as the first Plunket Shield match of the season looms.

Shawn Hicks and Mitch Renwick will travel with the side to Mount Maunganui as it prepares to play Northern Districts tomorrow.

Both had been under an injury cloud, but passed fitness tests yesterday.

That means Renwick will take the gloves, and Hicks will likely slot in among the middleorder.

The pair are part of a young core of a team missing several of last year’s big names.

Spin bowler Mark Craig is one of the experienced heads and will captain the side during its firstclass campaign.

Hamish Rutherford and Brad Wilson also bring experience, but the batting lineup in particular is very young.

However, that is something coach Rob Walter views as exciting.

‘‘Obviously, there’s what people perceive to be a lack of experience in the middle order, young guys that haven’t played a hell of a lot of games.

‘‘But for me that’s exciting. ‘‘It gives these guys opportunities to play against a good fourday outfit and show what they’re capable of.

‘‘While it would be great to have experience in there at some point these guys have to go out and play to gain that experience the others have.

‘‘Every experienced player was once an inexperienced player. They have to begin somewhere.’’

The match begins at 10.30am tomorrow.