Cricket: Auckland consider all options for T20 kickoff

Former Australian batsman Brad Hodge is in top form. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Auckland are leaving no option unexplored for the start of the domestic T20 competition this week.

Their selectors have named a squad of 17 players for three days of training ahead of the opening game against defending champions Central Districts at Colin Maiden Park on Friday.

The HRV Cup actually kicks off in Hamilton on Thursday, with Northern Districts hosting CD.

The leading candidates have had two days of matches already and face more examination before the trimming of the squad.

One player sure of a start is English import Jimmy Adams, who arrived in Auckland yesterday.

The Hampshire lefthander was the highest run-getter in England's equivalent competition this year, with 668 at 39.29 with a strike rate of 132.27.

The squad includes returned New Zealand test pair opener Tim McIntosh and new-ball bowler Chris Martin, with former international batsman Lou Vincent and former Central Districts wicketkeeper Bevan Griggs now playing in Auckland.

Wellington have whistled up seasoned Victorian fast-medium bowler Damien Wright for their first two cup games against Otago and Canterbury and he'll join England allrounder Luke Wright as their second overseas player.

Wright is in good form, having taken five for 62 for Victoria against Queensland at the weekend. His 111 first-class games have produced 360 wickets at 28 apiece.

ND have named 12 for their first two games and welcome back batsmen Daniel Flynn and BJ Watling, wicketkeeper Peter McGlashan and seamer Brent Arnel. Watling and Arnel were in the test squad in India.

The first of their trio of imports, former Australian batsman Brad Hodge, arrives today. Victorian Hodge is in top form with three tons in five innings in Australia's domestic one-day contest.