Cricket: Marshall hoping to make a difference

Sandwiched in between the tradition of Plunket Shield and razzle-dazzle of Twenty20, New Zealand's 50-over domestic competition starts on Friday as almost the forgotten competition on the cricket calendar.

Five rounds take place in November and December before the competition enjoys a six-week hiatus as the smash and bash of Twenty20 takes over. It returns in January for three more rounds and playoffs.

After Friday's first round, New Zealand's six domestic teams play one more four-day fixture next week before the whites are put in the drawer until February.

The one-day segment of the summer, now known as the Ford Trophy, has lost much of its lustre in recent times but one man who made his name in New Zealand by excelling in 50-over cricket was Hamish Marshall.

The 32-year-old played 13 tests and 66 one-dayers for New Zealand but now plays for Northern Districts as an overseas player. It's because he plays as a local on the English county circuit for Gloucestershire through his Irish ancestry after he left New Zealand in 2007 and this will be his fourth summer playing for ND as an overseas player.

"I love the shorter version of the game," he said. "It's a different dynamic to the longer version but it's a faster game and you get the opportunity to express yourself with your skill and enjoy opportunities in the field to try to make a difference. I guess that's a big part of it and it's nice to be able to spend the summer here - rather than the winter in England - doing something I enjoy."

The stylish middle-order batsman enjoyed a break last month after the end of the English season and went to South Africa on holiday with his wife and newborn son. He will remain in New Zealand in March but hasn't set any specific goals.

"I'm here to try to play some good cricket, as good as I can, and help ND win some silverware," Marshall said. "Part of that is putting in match-winning performances. So that's my aim, I haven't really put numbers on it. But I'd like to make significant contributions where I can to put the team in winning positions or even win games for the team."

Northern Districts will meet Otago at the University Oval in Dunedin tomorrow, with Central Districts taking on Canterbury in Rangiora and Wellington doing battle with Auckland at Lincoln.

Northern are one of the major movers in the market with the acquisition of Marshall to bolster their slew of former internationals, although Andre Adams will be dangerous with bat and ball for Auckland, who are defending champions.

Canterbury will briefly have the services of former Black Cap Brendon Diamanti, who has joined the Wizards for the HRV Cup, but will also play the first three 50-over games of the summer.

Their batting line-up has a sharp look to it with George Worker, Peter Fulton and Shanan Stewart all capable of scoring big runs, while Australian pace bowler Mitchell Claydon will be available from round two.

Wellington have made only one changed to their side for round one from the team that performed poorly in their last Plunket Shield hit-out against Auckland, with batsman Stewart Rhodes joining the squad in place of four-day specialist Josh Brodie.

After a string of poor performances in the 50-over format during the past few seasons, new coach Jamie Siddons will hope his side can turn their form around.

Central Districts will lean on the experience of batsmen Jamie How, Peter Ingram and Mathew Sinclair, while their young pace attack of Adam Milne, Ben Wheeler and Bevan Small will have veteran Michael Mason for support. Jacob Oram will miss the first game with a groin strain.

Otago's hopes will ride on Craig Cumming, providing his back can hold up, New Zealand all-rounder Nathan McCullum and former internationals Aaron Redmond and Ian Butler.