Cricket: Auckland captain know what his team are up against

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Brooke Walker would love nothing more than to get his hands on another piece of silverware after tomorrow's one-day final.

The Auckland all-rounder still fondly remembers the climax to last season when he held the State Championship trophy aloft.

The team had endured a hiding in the State Shield, finishing last, but bounced back to win the four-day competition.

"I would love to complete that double," the 25-year-old Walker said. "The State Shield has been hectic, a lot of hard work. We don't want to give it away now."

Auckland did not have the greatest start to their season, losing first-up to Northern Districts at Eden Park after Andre Adams had taken four for 37 in Northern's innings of 218 for seven.

In the second round Auckland, after scoring 246 for seven, were beaten by Otago.

They then won their third match (against Canterbury), but followed that with a no-result against Central Districts in the fourth.

Auckland finished strongly with a win over Wellington at North Harbour and a second victory over Canterbury in Christchurch. That took them to the top of the points table and meant a welcome break before the final.

"It has been good to have a few days off," Walker said. "It promises to be another tough game."

Both teams have lost three players to the World Cup.

Walker is quick to acknowledge the role Lou Vincent, Kyle Mills and Adams have played in Auckland's success.

"Those guys were so good. They contributed so much every time they played. They were brilliant and we thanked them before they left for the World Cup.

"I have already received text messages from them in South Africa. They are keen to keep in touch.

"But when we have been without them, other players have pushed forward, like Matt Horne did the other day [making 96 to steer Auckland to victory over Canterbury]. It has been a team effort.

"At times when we haven't got the runs we wanted, the bowlers have pulled us through.

"Against Central at Pukekura Park we had to defend 200 which was not going to be easy, but the bowlers came through and got it right.

"At other times the top order has done the job."

He singled out Aaron Barnes and Llorne Howell as major contributors.

"They have done really well. Aaron has been outstanding. I always knew he was a quality player, but he has stepped up from what he showed us last season. I've been trying to talk him out of quitting at the end of the season.

"Llorne has been fantastic. He is almost back to his very best Canterbury days. He has been so composed. We have told him to play it as he sees it."

Walker has not been quite so happy batting as low as he has.

"In the end it is my call, but [coach] Mark O'Donnell is very big on the top six getting the runs. He is more than happy for me to concentrate on my bowling and captaincy."

Walker is under no illusions. He knows there will be no favours from their neighbours.

"Northern have a fine seam attack. Ian Butler is quick, Joey Yovich is a wicket-taker and Graeme Aldridge continues to come on.

"While we didn't really care about who we played in the final, we recognise Northern are a little quicker than the Wellington bowlers. They are aggressive wicket-takers."

It promises to be a good contest. Both teams have batsmen capable of scoring heavily. Both have well-balanced bowling attacks. In the end it will come down to desire. And there is nothing in that, either.

Auckland team:(likely): Brooke Walker (captain), Mark Richardson, Llorne Howell, Matt Horne, Tim McIntosh, Rob Nicol, Aaron Barnes, Craig Pryor, Tama Canning, Reece Young, Heath Davis, Sam Whiteman.


Venue: North Harbour Stadium.


Start: 10am.


Umpires: Doug Cowie (Auckland) and Tony Hill (Counties)


Third umpire: Evan Watkin (Wellington)


TV: Live on Sky Sport, from 9.45am.