Cricket: Half the old Auckland side missing

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Only half the Auckland cricket team humbled by Northern Districts in last season's Shell Trophy finale will be on hand when the two sides meet in their first-round match of the new season starting in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Opening batsman John Aiken has lost his place to left-hander Tim McIntosh, aged 20, who played two Shell Trophy matches early last season.

Others missing from last season are Stephen Lynch, now living in the United States, Kyle Mills (injured), Brooke Walker (with the New Zealand side in South Africa), and wicketkeeper Reece Young (overlooked).

McIntosh, a product of the Cricket Academy, has been named in the 12-strong squad for the first three trophy matches, but will surrender his place to Llorne Howell for the Shell Cup matches.

These will be played on successive Sundays after the trophy matches with ND, Canterbury and Otago.

Of the team named for Hamilton (and later matches in Christchurch and at Eden Park) Tania Topia is the only newcomer to first-class cricket.

The middle- to lower-order batsman and offspin bowler made the most of his chances in last week's warm-up game against Central Districts to force his way in. He and former international left-armer Mark Haslam are the side's spinners.

Lou Vincent, likely to bat at No 4, will keep wickets for the first time at this level after taking the gloves in cup and Max play in the past.

Dion Nash has been selected to bat at No 5 but will not be part of the Auckland pace attack. The new ball is likely to be shared by Chris Drum and Richard Morgan, with support from Andre Adams, Tama Canning and Aaron Barnes.

Coach Tony Sail said the side had a well-balanced look about it.

"The deck in Hamilton is usually pretty good so we will wait and have a look before deciding on the [playing] Xl."

Auckland: Blair Pocock (captain), Tim McIntosh, Richard King, Lou Vincent, Dion Nash, Aaron Barnes, Tama Canning, Andre Adams, Tane Topia, Richard Morgan, Mark Haslam, Chris Drum.