Cricket: Auckland look strong for clash with Central

Michael Bates of the Aces (L) is congratulated by Martin Guptill (R). Photo / Getty Images

With the domestic T20 title locked away, Auckland are making a decent fist of the national one-day competition, too.

They were beaten finalists last season, undone by a BJ Watling hundred for Northern Districts at Colin Maiden Park.

After losing the opening round to ND, they have bagged back-to-back wins and should take a solid ring of confidence into today's game against Central Districts.

Lou Vincent's rollicking unbeaten 159 off 157 balls, in tandem with Colin Munro's unbeaten 62, got Auckland home with ease chasing down Canterbury's 295 for six last Sunday.

Captain Gareth Hopkins made a century in the narrow win over Wellington a few days earlier. Anaru Kitchen hit a half century that day. Bowlers are sharing the wickets. The sum of all parts is doing the job for Auckland.

"In both the last two games it's been great to see someone go on and anchor the innings with a big score," said Auckland coach Paul Strang yesterday.

"The other batsmen have played their part. If we can do that consistently then we're always going to be capable of posting or chasing a big score."

CD have made one change from the team beaten by Otago in Palmerston North last Sunday. Veteran seamer Michael Mason makes way for promising young quick Adam Milne.

Otago have lost lively left armer Neil Wagner and allrounder Sam Wells to injury for their game against Northern Districts at Invercargill.

Wagner has split webbing in his bowling hand while Wells injured a knee in training and may require surgery. English professional Darren Stevens, who played in the HRV Cup, has stayed on in New Zealand and is in the squad.

ND have added Anton Devcich to their squad with a question over Watling's fitness. Watling has been battling a stiff back.

In the other game today, Canterbury host Wellington in Christchurch.

Points after three rounds: Auckland 8, ND 8, Otago 8, Canterbury 5, Wellington 4, CD 4.

AUCKLAND v CENTRAL DISTRICTS
*Colin Maiden Park, 11am today

Auckland: Gareth Hopkins (c), Jeet Raval, Lou Vincent, Anaru Kitchen, Greg Todd, Colin de Grandhomme, Colin Munro, Andre Adams, Ronnie Hira, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey, Michael Bates,

CD: Jamie How (c), Peter Ingram, George Worker, Mathew Sinclair, Tim Weston, Kruger van Wyk, Jacob Oram, Kieran Noema-Barnett, Doug Bracewell, Tarun Nethula, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan.