Firebirds, Stags vie for glory

Whatever happens over the next four days at the Basin Reserve will go a long way towards deciding the winner of the Plunket Shield.

Competition frontrunners Wellington play host to second-place Central Districts from today, with the winner taking pole position with two rounds remaining.

Both sides are missing key components of their usual starting XIs, although it’s the visitors who will find it toughest with six players missing through national duties or injury. Wellington are missing two players.

Stags Greg Hay, Ajaz Patel, Seth Rance and Doug Bracewell are all playing for the New Zealand XI against England in Hamilton, as are Firebirds Tom Blundell and Logan van Beek. Also missing are the Stags’ injured duo of George Worker and Ben Wheeler.

Wellington have brought in Alex Ridley as cover for van Beek, while Devon Conway will take the gloves in the absence of Blundell.

In Whangarei, Otago will face the unfamiliar feeling of having to play cricket against Black Caps allrounder Corey Anderson. The 27-year-old has played some provincial A cricket since returning from back surgery, but today will be his first-class return for Northern Districts.

In Rangiora, Canterbury make one change to their previous side with Theo van Woerkom coming in for the match against Auckland.