Cricket: Auckland without McIntosh for final

Tim McIntosh. Photo / Getty Images

Just when they'd rather not have to make enforced changes, Auckland have lost in-form opener Tim McIntosh for tomorrow's national one-day final.

The international left-hander damaged a toe during his memorable 161 not out which steered Auckland past Otago in Wednesday's semifinal and into their fourth one-day final in the past five years.

Since rejoining Auckland after being on test duty, McIntosh hit 313 runs at 78 in five innings, and forming an imposing opening pairing with Lou Vincent.

Brad Cachopa has been called into a squad of 13 to travel to Christchurch.

It's a tough blow for McIntosh, and Auckland, but since returning to wearing the province's blue, he's liked what he has seen of the team.

"I guess a lot of it comes back to feeling confident and getting enjoyment in each other's company," McIntosh said.

"Obviously a winning unit is happy and it seems to have been a continuation of that since the HRV [Cup, the domestic T20 competition won by Auckland on January 2].

"We're now starting to see some of the younger players standing up and putting together consistent performances. You've got senior, experienced players putting the numbers up and taking wickets, so it seems to have a really good blend of youth and experience."

To win the title, Auckland will need to be substantially better than they were a week ago when they were well beaten by Canterbury, also in Christchurch.

But Auckland will take heart from having dished out a hiding in round-robin play, on the back of 159 not out off 157 balls by Vincent on January 16, when chasing 295.

In their eight round-robin games, Auckland won five and lost two, and have drawn on contributions from various players at different times.

They've had important contributions from the likes of Ronnie Hira, Colin Munro and Jeet Raval, which haven't necessarily attracted headlines, but have certainly been important elements in the game situation.

The wickets have been shared about, with fast-medium men Andre Adams, Daryl Tuffey and Michael Bates taking 14, 13 and 10 wickets respectively.

Vincent and captain Gareth Hopkins are second and third on the run aggregate list with 489 and 410 runs, trailing only Canterbury's Rob Nicol whose 529 runs at 66.12 combined with 14 wickets at 20.9 mark him as the competition's outstanding player.

Canterbury have been in strong form throughout the competition. They too have lost only two, and won five games. There's no question the two best 50-over combinations are through to the decider.

Auckland's coach Paul Strang paid tribute to Canterbury's campaign.

"They've been playing some great cricket and they deserved to win last weekend," Strang said.

"We'll be better for the experience, though, and we've got plenty of confidence coming into the game."

Canterbury have named 13 players for the match, but appear to have a reasonably settled side.

Fast-medium Richard Sherlock returns from a groin injury and will add some grunt to their attack, if chosen.

Last five finals

2009-10

Northern Districts bt Auckland by 21 runs, Colin Maiden Park

BJ Watling's outstanding 145 off 158 balls helped ND to 304-3; Kane Williamson's five for 51 sealed the win.2008-09ND bt Otago by 49 runs, Seddon Park, Hamilton

Graeme Aldridge took five for 49 as Otago chased 239. But their English import, the usually big-hitting Dmitri Mascarenhas, produced one of the more hopeless pieces of one-day batting, crawling to 17 off 70 balls to kill Otago's hopes.

2007-08

Otago bt Auckland by seven wickets, Eden Park

Otago were chasing 311 to win. They got there, with eight overs to spare, seven wickets up their sleeve. Brendon McCullum smeared 170 off 108 balls to turn a tall order into a doddle.

2006-07

Auckland bt Otago by five wickets, University Oval, Dunedin

Otago were rolled for 119. Chris Martin: 8-3-7-3. Enough said.

2005-06

Canterbury bt Central Districts by five wickets, Christchurch

Chris Cairns took four for 53 and was there at the end on 41 to tie up a comfortable win