KEY POINTS:
Wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins has again slipped out of the shadow of Brendon McCullum - at provincial level at least - yesterday confirming his anticipated move to Auckland.
Four seasons ago, McCullum decided to switch from Otago to Canterbury for a change of scene, causing Hopkins, then with Canterbury, to transfer to Otago.
With the Black Caps gloveman returning home this season from Canterbury, Hopkins is again packing his bags.
However, this time other factors smoothed his departure from Otago - Hopkins' wife lives in Auckland and he has had to commute from Auckland to Otago for the past two years.
Otago Cricket chief executive Ross Dykes had hoped to retain the 31-year-old as international commitments will limit McCullum's involvement in the 2007-08 season but accepted his decision.
"He's been a hugely valuable player for us but we appreciate that in each of the last two years it has been difficult for Gareth to make the migration to Dunedin due to personal circumstances. We wish him every success in his future cricketing endeavours," Dykes said.
Hopkins, officially regarded as this country's second best wicketkeeper after recently gaining one of the 20 available New Zealand Cricket player contracts, emphasised he had appreciated his time in Otago.
"I have enjoyed playing for them very much and it was a hard decision to make.
"I appreciate the opportunities that have come playing for Otago Cricket, and the support they have given me," Hopkins said. Auckland Cricket chief executive Andrew Eade said Hopkins was a welcome addition.
"His batting will clearly strengthen our top order and our selectors will have an interesting choice to make regarding the wicketkeeping berth, as Reece Young is also very accomplished behind the stumps."
Hopkins, who averages 30.68 after 94 first class matches, effected 98 dismissals behind the stumps in 25 first-class matches for Otago since 2003.
He will join the New Zealand A squad in Australia next week.
- NZPA
