KEY POINTS:
Auckland have made one change for their top of the table fifth round national one-day championship match against Central Districts in Nelson tomorrow.
Allrounder Paul Hitchcock, who usually opens the Auckland innings, returns after a virus forced him out of last Wednesday's five-wicket demolition of Wellington at Eden Park. He replaces promising bowler Greg Morgan in the 12.
That win was based around some resounding batting from international pair Scott Styris and Gareth Hopkins, who belted 94 not out and 79 at a rapid rate. Most of Auckland's batsmen have made significant contributions to the team's solid early-campaign form.
Central are on a roll, after losing to Wellington in round one of the State Shield, and are chasing their fourth successive win.
Northern Districts will unveil recalled English test opener Andrew Strauss for their home game against Otago at Seddon Park in Hamilton while in the other game, bottom-placed Canterbury host Wellington in Christchurch.
After tomorrow's round, the competition takes a break until February 6, allowing for the start of the domestic Twenty20 competition.
Strauss started practising with his new team yesterday and has been named to play against Otago tomorrow.
Despite travel delays from Johannesburg to Hamilton, Strauss is eager for some action.
"I realised that there would be few opportunities to try something different with my cricket and the challenge of playing in a new environment with a new team and working with a new coach. I am really looking forward to it," he said.
Strauss comes into a side full of confidence, on the back of convincing wins against Wellington and Canterbury.
Strauss is hoping to use his ND stint to cement his place in the English side touring New Zealand from next month.
He has been named in the five-day team but could come into contention for the one-dayers if injuries strike. He initially signed with ND because it seemed a good idea to be close at hand if there were injuries.
Points after four rounds: CD 14, Auckland 13, Wellington 9, Otago and ND 8, Canterbury 0.
ON THE FIELD
Auckland v Central Districts
Nelson, tomorrow
Richard Jones (c), Martin Guptill, Paul Hitchcock, Rob Nicol, Scott Styris, Gareth Hopkins, Colin de Grandhomme, David Houpapa, Andre Adams, Daryl Tuffey, Roneel Hira, Andrew McKay.
- NZPA
