Cricket: Sigh of relief as four-dayers return

The Auckland side are itching to put their one-day frustrations behind them as their State Championship campaign resumes against Central Districts at Eden Park today.

Two out of two victories have put Auckland on top of the four-day championship, with Central in second place, but that contrasts starkly with the one-dayers, where they are winless after five games.

Central coach Graham Barlow said: "Auckland have got off to a great start in the championship, but I think there is the question now about whether their shield form has affected their confidence."

But Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell dismissed the suggestion, although he admitted his players had become frustrated with their form and the weather.

"We've had two games rained out and one that was a waste of time because it was played on a rubbish deck," he said. "Wherever we went it rained. It also affected practice but we haven't played well and there is a bit of frustration."

Central allrounder Jacob Oram has been ruled out with a niggling back strain. Central will also be without new-ball bowler Michael Mason, who has a side strain.

Auckland have added Keely Todd from the A side to an initial squad of 13.

The other match starting today features Northern Districts and Otago in Gisborne.

THE TEAMS

Auckland (from): Brooke Walker (capt), Richard Jones, Matt Horne, Lou Vincent, Rob Nicol, Aaron Barnes, Tama Canning, Kyle Mills, Reece Young, Andre Adams, Paul Hitchcock, Kerry Walmsley, Keely Todd.

Central Districts (from): Glen Sulzberger (capt), Mathew Sinclair, Jamie How, Peter Ingram, Jarrod Englefield, Ross Taylor, Bevan Griggs, Ewen Thompson, Andrew Schwass, Brent Hefford, Lance Hamilton, Regan West.