Cricket: Canterbury conditions prompt change of scenery for batsman

Canterbury has lured impressive Auckland opening batsman Tim McIntosh to the province for next season.

McIntosh, 24, was a contender for the Black Caps opening berth and hopes his shift south will enable him to further his claims for a New Zealand spot.

He said the wickets in Canterbury and the South Island were highly regarded and he was looking forward to the change.

"Conditions down there are pretty good for opening batsmen, while early season in Auckland can be pretty tough going," he said yesterday.

McIntosh pushed himself to the forefront of Black Caps calculations when he scored a remarkable 820 runs for Auckland two seasons ago.

But after a strong start last season with centuries against Otago and Wellington, his form fell away markedly and he finished with a relatively modest 317 runs at 26.41.

Overall, the left-hander has scored 2407 runs from 44 first-class matches at 37.03.

Despite his youth he has scored eight centuries and 10 half-centuries and his acquisition will bolster Canterbury's top order, especially in the first-class arena.

McIntosh's likely provincial opening partner could be Michael Papps, who after a prolific season last summer for Canterbury, earned a place in the national ranks.

"Pappsy had such a great season and fully deserved to be there," McIntosh said.

McIntosh's services for next season were also sought by another province, and he also was in talks with Auckland, for whom he has played since his debut in 1998-99.

"It will feel a bit funny leaving Auckland but I weighed all the things up and decided it was time for a change."

- NZPA