Cricket: Nash back in action after suspension

By CHRIS RATTUE

Dion Nash returns from suspension to bolster the Auckland side as they take on Otago in their one-day clash at Alexandra today.

But both sides might have to beat the weather first to register their opening points in the State Shield competition.

Heavy rain has fallen over the past few days, although there was a respite yesterday.

Auckland have been hit by the unavailability of internationals Lou Vincent and Adam Parore, two of their stars in the narrow loss to Canterbury on Thursday.

Nash and wicketkeeper Reece Young come into the side, with Nick Horsley, because national under-19 representative Rob Nicol is sidelined for 10 days with a broken finger.

Auckland will have to put behind them the disappointment of last-over defeats against Northern Districts and Canterbury at Eden Park.

Otago have lost the only match they have played, by three runs against Wellington in Queenstown.

They go into today's clash without captain Lee Germon and medium-fast bowler Warren McSkimming, both of whom are injured.

Craig Cumming will take over the captaincy. The experienced Robbie Lawson and 23-year-old opening bowler James McMillan, who has had only two first-class games for Otago, join the squad.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming will line up for Wellington who play champions Central Districts at the Basin Reserve.

Central are also looking for their first win in this season's competition.

Tomorrow, Wellington will back up against Northern Districts, also at the Basin Reserve.

Canterbury are the early pacesetters, leading the standings with nine points, including the first bonus point of the competition.

They are one point ahead of Northern. Wellington have four, and Otago, Auckland and Central have yet to gain a point.

Auckland: Brooke Walker (capt), Mark Richardson, Matt Horne, Aaron Barnes, Tama Canning, Nick Horsley, Dion Nash, Andre Adams, Reece Young, Kyle Mills, Chris Drum, Mark Haslam.

Otago: Craig Cumming (capt), Andrew Hore, Brendon McCullum, Robbie Lawson, Chris Gaffaney, Martyn Croy, Craig Pryor, Kerry Walmsley, Rob Smith, Nathan McCullum, David Sewell, James McMillan.

Northern Districts: Robbie Hart (capt), Matthew Hart, James Marshall, Hamish Marshall, Mark Bailey, Grant Bradburn, Simon Doull, Daryl Tuffey, Joseph Yovich, Jaden Hatwell, Graeme Aldridge, Ian Butler.