Cricket: Import Nash debuts for Auckland in Otago

Chris Nash, in action for Sussex, has been added to the Auckland squad for their HRV Cup match against Otago. Photo / Getty

Can a rousing performance in one form of cricket have a spinoff on a different version of the game?

Auckland might find that out when they play Otago in Alexandra today as the HRV Cup resumes after a break for Plunket Shield play.

Auckland chased down 409 to beat Northern Districts at Eden Park's outer oval on Monday, the only time they have successfully pursued more than 400 in the fourth innings of a first-class match.

Certainly the pitch was a road, piles of runs were scored, but even so it lifted Auckland up the Plunket Shield ladder and there should be a positive dose of impetus to take into today's game.

Auckland have another import join for the rest of the HRV Cup, Sussex opener and captain Chris Nash. He becomes the fifth player Auckland have hired from overseas for this campaign, but Australian Brad Hodge was ruled out by injury, while England's David Willey never made it to New Zealand because of injury.

Luke Wright has been and gone, to good effect, while James Fuller is also in the 12 for today.

Nash spent time at the Cornwall club several years ago, had a T20 strike rate of 125, and average of 27 in the last English season.

"We're sure he'll add value around the dressing room and will bring a bit of leadership, too," Auckland Cricket boss Mark Cameron said.

Auckland have lost four players to the New Zealand ODI side, opener Martin Guptill, middle order hitter Colin Munro and bowlers Kyle Mills and Mitchell McClenaghan, which will test the depth.

They have won two and lost one of their three games but will relish tackling the defending champions Otago, who welcome back test opener Hamish Rutherford.

Leaders Northern Districts are also unveiling a new import today, New South Welshman Chris Tremain, for their game against bottom side Central Districts at Nelson.

The tall, fast-medium bowler from Dubbo has been released from the Sydney Thunder until later in the Big Bash League. Tremain has taken 18 first-class wickets for New South Wales and played five T20 games for the Thunder.

ND are without Dan Vettori, who is at the BBL with the Brisbane Heat but have former international Scott Styris back after a calf injury.

Allrounder Anton Devcich plays his first game this season after his limited-overs time with New Zealand in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Test wicketkeeper BJ Watling bolsters ND too, as they look to protect their lead.

In the third game today, Wellington host Canterbury at the Basin Reserve.