Cricket: Foot injury sidelines Nicol for must-win ND match

Rob Nicol. Photo / NZME.

Auckland have lost captain Rob Nicol for their key 50-over match against Northern Districts at Eden Park tomorrow.

The former international suffered a blow to the foot in last Monday's win over Wellington in the capital. How long Nicol is sidelined for isn't clear, according to coach Matt Horne, but it's bad timing with Auckland about to prepare for the Ford Trophy playoffs later this month.

"We lose a lot of experience and a bowling option," Horne said yesterday. "But we have players to cover it and it's a matter of them fronting up."

Experienced seamer Michael Bates, fresh off a fine performance against Wellington, three for 20 from his 10 overs, will lead Auckland.

They are targeting a top-two finish, and therefore a second chance in the playoffs, plus the prospect of hosting the final. ND need another win to be confident of a top four placing.

Perhaps the key point of interest in the match is the form of World Cup seamer Kyle Mills. He has been out of action since a groin injury in the United Arab Emirates last month.

Mills has been easing back into work and tomorrow shapes as an important day to show he's close to a return to the national side.

In the other games in the penultimate round of the trophy, Wellington host Canterbury and Otago meet Central Districts in Dunedin. The final round of games is next Wednesday. Points: CD 22, Auckland 20, Otago 15, ND 12, Canterbury 6, Wellington 5.