Cricket: Parlane rejoins ND side for day-nighter

Michael Parlane has been handed the chance to rekindle his Northern Districts career with his inclusion in the squad for today's day-nighter against Auckland.

Parlane, who has been on the outside looking in, returns to the team for the State Shield match at Hamilton's WestpacTrust Park for Grant Robinson.

The Northern top order batting has been brittle in the past couple of games and with Mark Bailey facing a knee operation, coach Bruce Blair has brought in Northlander Parlane.

With Bruce Martin unlikely to return from his rib injury until the four-day matches resume next month, Blair has stuck with most of the players who have taken Northern into the playoffs.

Determined to have, at worst, home advantage for next week's semifinal, Northern will chase more points today.

With Sunday's match against Otago washed out after 34 1/2 overs, today's match is almost certain to be played on the same pitch.

The Auckland team flew in from Christchurch yesterday afternoon and later practised at the ground.

Coach Tony Sail admits making the top three is now a "pretty forlorn hope", but he will be looking for something better from his team today.

In other games today, leaders Wellington meet Otago - who have had little luck in their two games in the North Island - at the Basin Reserve, while in Christchurch third-placed Canterbury play Central Districts, who have won only one of eight matches.

Points: Wellington 29, Northern Districts 25, Canterbury 20, Otago 14, Auckland 10, Central Districts 6.