KEY POINTS:
Daryl Tuffey and Kyle Mills could give Auckland a past and present international new-ball attack as they look to bounce back from defeat when they play Wellington at Eden Park starting today.
Having dispatched defending champions Canterbury in their first State Championship match, Auckland were well beaten by Central Districts in Napier last week.
But captain Richard Jones will have a stronger bowling attack at his disposal, with former test bowler Tuffey back from his latest sojourn to the Indian Cricket League and Mills released from the New Zealand squad ahead of the second test against Australia in Adelaide.
"Daryl's looking good and he's pretty keen," Jones said yesterday.
As for Mills, he should not lack for incentive to get stuck into a Wellington batting order spearheaded by captain Matthew Bell who, at a time national selectors are scratching their heads over the opening batting equation, hit 146 last week.
Jones was pleased that in both games so far Auckland have taken 20 wickets - a quarter of the 40 going to handy Andy McKay - but losing wickets in clumps has been their downfall.
"We've had good periods then gone off the boil, but we're a long way from going back to the drawing board."
Auckland will lose wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins for at least the final day as he heads to Adelaide as cover for Brendon McCullum.
Wellington offspinner Jeetan Patel will be making the same trip. Their coach, Anthony Stuart, is pleased with his team's start.
"We've played some pretty good cricket; you've got to be happy with an innings win, and I think the boys are in a good head space."
New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram returns to domestic action, getting over his latest injury setback in Central Districts' 13 for their game against Northern Districts at Seddon Park in Hamilton. CD have one other change, fast bowler Richard Sherlock, having recovered from a hamstring twinge, in for Brent Hefford.
Otago are unchanged for their game against Canterbury at Invercargill. Canterbury have South African batsman Johan Myburgh back from a groin injury.
Points: Auckland 8 (played 2), CD 8, Wellington 8, Otago 2, ND 0, Canterbury 0 (played 2).
