Injured trio return to Stags lineup
"We obviously have high expectations of ourselves as individuals and as a team."
Tom Bruce
Central Stags batsman Tom Bruce knows cricket at New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park generally means two things – a flat deck and plenty of runs.
‘‘It’s a batsman’s paradise – just the way we like it,’’ Bruce said.
The Stags kick off their Ford Trophy one-day campaign in New Plymouth tomorrow when they take on the Auckland Aces.
And while they might be without two of their stars, the return of a number of injured players will mean the Stags are as close to fullstrength as possible.
Despite allrounder George Worker and batsman Ross Taylor being away with the Black Caps, allrounder Josh Clarkson (arm), and batsmen Bevan Small (back) and Ben Smith (back) have all overcome ailments and will line up for the side as they look to carry their form from the four-day competition to the 50-over format.
‘‘We’ve got a near-on fullstrength squad, we’ve still got a couple to come back from injury –obviously Milney [Adam Milne] and Seth [Rance]. But there’s pretty good depth shown at the moment that we can call on guys to come in and take the opportunity.
‘‘It’s a pretty fun time to be around in the one-day format and the guys are coming off a good first five games with the red ball so there’s a fair bit of confidence in the camp and as long as we keep doing the right things we’ll be fine in the Ford Trophy.
‘‘We obviously have high expectations of ourselves as individuals and as a team, and we obviously want to just play the best we can and the rest will take care of itself. It sounds pretty cliche, but it’s as simple as that we keep things pretty simple at CD.’’
Auckland will also be without some key players, with allrounder Colin de Grandhomme, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and opening batsman Jeet Raval also away with the Black Caps.
With some key figures out, Bruce said he was expecting the Aces to field a strong, but relatively young team tomorrow.
‘‘I know they have a good young group of fast bowlers coming through the ranks so even without Lockie they’ll be fine in the seam department.’’