Cricket: One-day clash will pitch North against South

New Zealand Cricket will stage a "State of Origin" match on February 2 between teams from the North and South Islands.

The match will be played the day after the State Shield final, at the same venue, which has yet to be decided.

Selection will be determined by the major association for which a player first played either first-class or senior representative one-day cricket.

The Black Caps will not be involved because they will be in South Africa for the World Cup.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said the game would be extended into four innings, with each team playing two, non-consecutive, 25-over innings.

"This innovative change to the traditional format provides players with an opportunity to use different tactics and strategies," he said.

"While the concept is about providing an entertaining day of cricket it is also likely to be a hotly-contested game and we can expect some determined competition."

The two teams, chosen by the national selectors, will be named on January 26.

If the reserve day is required for the shield final, the new match will be played the next day.

Both the final and the State of Origin match will be covered live by Sky Television and TV3.

- NZPA