KEY POINTS:
Central Districts, leaders in the four-day domestic competition, will be chasing the double when the one-day programme begins today.
Central meet Wellington in Nelson, Auckland play Northern Districts at Eden Park's Outer Oval and Canterbury host Otago in Rangiora.
Central lost to Canterbury in last year's State Shield final, Chris Cairns ending his career with a six to deny Central the title. But they they went on to win the four-day State Championship.
They have been one-day finalists three years in a row, losing twice since their 2004 victory to Canterbury, who are led this season by veteran Chris Harris and include Black Caps opener Michael Papps and experienced all-rounder Craig McMillan.
Nelson native and Central opener Geoff Barnett is confident they can again contend in the limited-overs competition.
"Our form is fairly good going into the shield. A lot of the skills are transferable [from the four-day game], but there's more emphasis on scoring quicker and more intensity in the field," Barnett, a Canada ODI representative, said.
Campbell Furlong returns after a two-year absence, and a century in both innings against Canterbury last week has earned Peter Ingram a spot. Test players Jamie How and Mathew Sinclair also feature.
Wellington have two debutants in Michael Burns and Jeremy Dean.
Northern return to the venue of their record championship win over Auckland, who are without Andre Adams - with the Blacks Caps Twenty20 side - and injured internationals Kyle Mills and Scott Styris.
Batsman Dave Haupapa and Roneel Hira make their debuts after the retirement of all-rounder Tama Canning. Haupapa's selection is the main talking point of the Auckland squad. The Takapuna batsman got the call-up on the back of some outstanding form in the Auckland club scene.
Young speedster Colin Munro, who made his first-class debut only a couple of weeks ago, is also in the team.
But Auckland still maintain their familiar and experienced outlook, with Lou Vincent, Paul Hitchcock and skipper Richard Jones in the side.
"We know full well that we haven't got things right in certain areas in the one-day stuff lately, but this time I think we've got a much better balance to the side," Auckland coach Mark O'Connell said. "The boys are really keen to get off to a winning start."
In a turnaround of fortunes, Hamish Marshall will captain Northern while his twin James will be with the Black Caps on international duty. While Hamish has been the more regular on the international scene, James has been provincial captain.
Today James will be with the Black Caps after last night's Twenty20 assignment in Wellington, so Hamish is in charge.
BJ Watling takes the wicketkeeping gloves for Peter McGlashan, who is also in Wellington. Former international paceman Ian Butler is also named for Northern following his switch to a batting focus.
One-dayers (all start noon today)
Auckland v Northern Districts, Eden Park, Auckland
Canterbury v Otago, Rangiora, MainPower Oval, Rangiora
Central Districts v Wellington, Trafalgar Park, Nelson
- NZPA
