Cricket: NZ players back in domestic fold

New Zealand players return in bulk for the next two domestic T20 games, as first Northern Districts and leaders Auckland look to press home their early initiative.

ND host Canterbury at Seddon Park today, in a second versus third confrontation, and have internationals Scott Styris and Tim Southee back as they chase Auckland, who are four points clear of both at the top of the HRV Cup table.

Allrounder Joey Yovich and in-and-out international batsman BJ Watling sit the game out, along with test and ODI batsman Kane Williamson.

ND also welcome former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs, who takes over from Australian Brad Hodge in becoming the fourth overseas import to don the pink strip this season, after fellow Aussies David Hussey and bludgeoning lefthand opener David Warner.

Gibbs, 36, a veteran of 90 tests and 14 hundreds, also played 23 T20 internationals, averaging 18.

Auckland have named an initial squad of 14 to face Otago at Colin Maiden Park tomorrow. It includes returning internationals Martin Guptill, Kyle Mills and captain Gareth Hopkins and will be trimmed to 12 today. Wicketkeeper Brad Cachopa and spinner Bhupinder Singh drop out of the squad.

Allrounder Colin de Grandhomme, who strained his right ankle on the greasy Basin Reserve pitch on Wednesday, will be assessed today.

Fast-medium Daryl Tuffey, who is getting married today, is expected to be available for Sunday's game against Wellington.

Auckland are back on home turf after a three-game road trip, with all three matches won.

Repeat that over the weekend, and against Canterbury next Tuesday, and they'll feel a second consecutive final appearance is well within their grasp on January 2.

HOST TEAMS

Auckland squad to play Otago at Colin Maiden Park tomorrow: Gareth Hopkins (c), Colin de Grandhomme, Jimmy Adams, Martin Guptill, Lou Vincent, Anaru Kitchen, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Andre Adams, Dusan Hakaraia, Kyle Mills, Ronnie Hira, Michael Bates, Chris Martin (three to be omitted).

Northern Districts squad to play Canterbury in Hamilton today: James Marshall (c), David Warner, Herschelle Gibbs, Daniel Flynn, Anton Devcich, Brad Wilson, Scott Styris, Peter McGlashan, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Bradley Scott, Graeme Aldridge, Brent Arnel.