Cricket: Auckland know what it takes to defend Ford Trophy title

Ross Taylor. Photo / NZ Herald

Auckland are confident they have the game, and the 50-over smarts, to defend their domestic title when the condensed competition starts tomorrow.

Having been in the last four finals, for two wins and two losses, Auckland believe they know what it takes to be formidable.

They'll start with a humdinger clash against Northern Districts at Eden Park's outer oval, a game chockful of internationals, who are available for only the first two rounds before heading to the world T20 tournament in Bangladesh. Auckland have Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kyle Mills and Mitch McClenaghan lining up; ND can boast Anton Devcich, Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson, BJ Watling and Trent Boult, all Bangladesh-bound, the only absentee the resting Tim Southee.

Auckland captain Gareth Hopkins said while every season brings fresh challenges, the knowledge of Ford Trophy form in the last few seasons is beneficial.

"It is confidence-building to know we won it last year, we can perform under pressure and do play a good brand of white ball cricket," he said yesterday.

"ND have got some incredible matchwinners coming back, but look at Guptill, Munro, Mills and McClenaghan. Each of them can turn a game."

Having missed out on the HRV Cup, when they finished one win out of the top three finals, and third in the Plunket Shield, Auckland are keen to finish the summer with something to show for their efforts.

That said, ND will fancy their chances and have a strong-looking combination.

In other opening round games, Canterbury host Otago at Timaru and Central Districts play Wellington at Palmerston North, the first time a game has been staged there for three years.

There are eight rounds, followed by three preliminary finals with the season ending on April 5 with the final.

• Having swept their ODI series against the West Indies, 3-0, the White Ferns face the tourists in the first of five T20 internationals in Invercargill today. It is the last warmup event for both teams ahead of the world tournament in Bangladesh this month.

• New Zealand Cricket have released apps for iOS (Apple), Android and Windows Phone to enable quicker access to information including live scoring, fixtures, results and news.

• Leading New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has been named international Fijitsu Heat Pumps MVP for the year.

Taylor played 31 internationals since last May's tour to England, more than any other player and finished with 365.44 MVP points. Senior seamer Tim Southee was second on 322.09 points, with Corey Anderson third on 301.70. Southee was named test MVP, Anderson top in the ODI form and wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi won the T20 award.

Auckland allrounder Colin de Grandhomme won the MVP award for the Plunket Shield.