Cricket: Aces hope to repeat win over Canterbury

It says something of Auckland's fickleness that, at this late stage of a near-apocalyptic one-day campaign, they're hoping the season will continue to mirror the last.

Bottom of the State Shield table after a Knights-like series of losses, Auckland will complete an abysmal one-day programme today when they square off against Canterbury in Christchurch, having so far compiled a one-win, six-loss (one tie, one no-result) record.

Their only consolation as they prepare for today's showdown is that they experienced a similarly calamitous one-day journey last year before bouncing back with interest in the four-day State Championship competition, eventually beating Wellington in the final.

Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell conceded yesterday that both he and his squad were hoping for a similar outcome this summer, although he said everyone involved with the Aces was trying to shift "heaven and earth" to turn around their one-day fortunes.

"We've got to the stage where we can only be spoilers in terms of the State Shield but we're all pretty keen to fulfil that role in our last outing against Canterbury," he said.

"I don't think there's any doubt that the squad are looking forward to next weekend's Twenty20 final and the resumption of the State Championship, but for the moment ... they're all keen to put together a winning performance against Canterbury."

O'Donnell said the atmosphere in the dressing room was probably far more positive and supportive than many would expect after such a disappointing run of results.

"The only State Shield game we won last year was against Canterbury, so if it's going to be a year of repetition I guess it would be good if we could repeat that as well."

He has named the same squad that lost against Wellington last weekend, having ruled out a comeback from his three international or former international players.

New Zealand paceman Kyle Mills is still restricted by a groin strain, fellow international Andre Adams is still recovering after damaging his fingers, and Kerry Walmsley, who is suffering from a calf-strain, is now targeting the four-day competition.

Shane Bond, who has shaken off the virus that left him bed-ridden for a week, has been included in the Canterbury squad, leaving the Wizards at full-strength for the first time this season.


The teams

Canterbury: Chris Harris (captain), Michael Papps, Nathan Astle, Shanan Stewart, Peter Fulton, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum, Paul Wiseman, Nixon McLean, Shane Bond, Stephen Cunis.

Auckland: Richard Jones (captain), Paul Hitchcock, Lou Vincent, Scott Styris, Rob Nicol, Gene Andrews, Tama Canning, Mayu Pasupati, Reece Young, Tim Lythe, Lance Shaw, Chris Martin.

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Photo finish to thrill fans

New Zealand Cricket could hardly have scripted it better if they'd tried.

Four teams within one point of each other and a virtual knockout quarter-final between Central Districts and Wellington in Palmerston North in the final round of the State Shield today.

Canterbury and Otago are level on 25 points at the top and will chase bonus-point victories against Auckland and Northern Districts for the right to host the final.

If the weather stays fine in Palmerston North then either the 2002 champions Wellington or last year's beaten finalists Central, both on 24 points, will be out. But if rain causes a no-result and both teams get two points, then Canterbury and Otago both have to win to stay in contention.

If Wellington and Central were somehow tied for third, then Wellington would progress with five wins to Central's four.

Otago play out-of-contention Northern in Dunedin.

- NZPA