KEY POINTS:
Auckland get their first look at English import Steven Croft when they start their national championship programme against Canterbury in Rangiora on Monday.
The Lancashire allrounder had some practice play with his new teammates in two games against Northern Districts in Whangarei this week.
The 24-year-old averaged 34.23 in 12 first-class games for Lancashire this year and picked up 16 wickets with his medium pace, which should be helpful in the State Championship.
If he makes the final XI, spinner Tarun Nethula will be on debut. Internationals Scott Styris and Gareth Hopkins are included.
There will be two points of particular interest from Canterbury's perspective; batsman Peter Fulton has been named in the first test squad to face Australia in Brisbane in two weeks, but won't travel unless required. Instead, he is after domestic runs to keep himself in the frame.
And all-rounder 17-year-old Corey Anderson, rated among the brightest prospects in New Zealand cricket, will be hoping this marks the start of a season in which he moves from talented fringe player to a regular fixture and solid contributor.
The other four teams, Otago, Wellington, Central Districts and Northern Districts, do not start their programmes until November 17.
