Cricket: Finals format puts pressure on

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Confirmation that the top qualifier after the round-robin Shell Cup matches will have the home advantage for the finals has made Auckland cricket coach Tony Sail even more determined to see his team win this afternoon's match against Northern Districts at Eden Park.

Sail was uncertain about the final format. He, like many, assumed the top team would have home advantage for the first match and, if needed, the third game with the other finalist having the second at their place.

New Zealand Cricket spokesman Brian Aldridge admitted yesterday there had been some confusion but confirmed that the top team - who go straight into the final while the second and third-placed teams play off in a one-off semifinal - will have the home advantage for as many of the final matches required to find the winner.

"At the start we were aiming for 14 points," said Sail. "That might not be enough to finish top so we are now chasing four-from-four to ensure we get there."

Auckland have named the same 12 who beat Wellington by six wickets on Sunday for today's match. Richard King is again likely to be 12th man.

Northern have made a couple of changes with internationals Simon Doull and Daniel Vettori making their much-anticipated returns at the expense of Graeme Aldridge and Bruce Martin who is a trifle unlucky in being a spin bowler in much the same mould as Vettori.

Most interest in Vettori's return will be where he is slotted in the batting order.

Elsewhere, there are few changes from the teams who played on Sunday.

Manawatu medium-pace bowler Emmett Craik is poised for his Cup debut coming into the Central Districts side in place of Craig Findlay for their game against Otago in Oamaru.

Otago have named the same 12 who lost to Northern Districts in Hamilton.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Chris Nevin returns to the Wellington side at the expense of Tim Boyer for their match against Canterbury in Christchurch.

Carl Anderson underwent a fitness test yesterday after missing the last two matches with a hand injury. He has been included in 13-strong Canterbury side. Chris Cairns is still sidelined but coach Garry MacDonald hopes he will return for Friday's match against Otago in Invercargill.

In what MacDonald finds a difficult decision to understand, today's match at Jade Stadium starts at 1 pm.