Cricket: Greatbach has target for CD

Central Districts coach Mark Greatbatch wants the same consistency his side have shown in the opening two rounds of the one-day competition when they play Otago in New Plymouth today.

Central head into the match unbeaten after wins against Canterbury and Wellington.

Greatbatch has called in Manawatu allrounder David Rankin to replace Michael Mason, who was summoned to the national side to cover for injured pace bowler Shane Bond.

Rankin, a former national hockey representative, is likely to play on what is expected to be a bouncy Pukekura Park pitch.

The conditions should provide the teams an opportunity to post high scores.

A pleasing aspect of Central Districts' early form has been the performances of newcomers Jesse Ryder and Ian Sandbrook.

Greatbatch said he was happy his decision to select the two former national under-19 representatives was paying off.

"We picked them to contribute and it's nice that out of the two games both have managed to do that."

He is mindful of the improvement Otago have shown in this year's competition. They picked up a bonus point win against Auckland in their last game.

"They are going well and we will have to adapt pretty quickly to their attacking approach.

"We believe six or seven guys need to contribute each game and we'll be working on that."

Otago coach Glenn Turner said his side had no injury problems and were looking forward to maintaining the momentum they gained against Auckland. They contain several dangerous players, including former international Jeff Wilson, and Pakistan's Mohammad Wasim, who will open the Otago innings.

- NZPA