Cricket: Bowler's academy efforts repaid

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Young Suburbs-New Lynn left-arm pace bowler Michael Bates is the only newcomer in the Auckland team to play Northern Districts in Hamilton on Monday.

Bates, who captained the New Zealand under-19 side last season, has been rewarded for some good work for the Auckland side in their recent seven-day stint at the academy in Christchurch.

"He did well," Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell said. "Whether he plays depends on whether we go with an extra batter or bowler after we have had a look at the Westpac Park pitch."

Bates bowls above medium pace and with good lines, and will provide cover for Tama Canning, Kerry Walmsley and Paul Hitchcock, who are away in Pakistan.

There is a wealth of experience in the Auckland side, who begin their defence of the State Championship.

Mark Richardson will be one of the opening batsmen, but whether Lou Vincent, Matt Horne or Tim McIntosh will be at the other end has yet to be decided.

The northern rivals last met in the final round last season, with ND edging Auckland by 16 runs to take outright points at Eden Park in a match where former New Zealand representative Matt Hart scored an unbeaten 201.

After being under water on Wednesday night, the Hamilton ground has drained well and is expected to be ready for play on Monday morning.

Northern are without Hamish Marshall, Daryl Tuffey and Daniel Vettori (in Pakistan).

Auckland: Brooke Walker (capt), Andre Adams, Aaron Barnes, Michael Bates, Matt Horne, Tim McIntosh, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Craig Pryor, Mark Richardson, Lou Vincent, Reece Young.

Northern Districts: Rob Hart (capt), Graeme Aldridge, Ian Butler, Matt Hart, Nick Horsley, James Marshall, Bruce Martin, Mark Orchard, Grant Robinson, Scott Styris, Gareth West, Joseph Yovich.