Domestic cricket preview: Auckland

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Coach Mark O'Donnell has a largely unchanged squad after Aaron Barnes' decision to go around one more time. Brooke Walker will again lead the team.

Internationals Kerry Walmsley and Paul Hitchcock have returned but will, like their Black Caps team-mates in Pakistan, miss the first two championship matches.

"As defending champions we will be under some pressure in the State Championship," said O'Donnell.

"We will need to do the same stuff we did last season, only better," he said.

"The side virtually picked itself last season. This time there might be a bit more pressure.

"We have been together since contract day October 1 and had Graham Henry along to talk to the players. As a former first-class cricketer, he had some interesting things to say.

"We like to feel we have good back-up strength.

"At this level you are only as good as your second tier and we have some good players coming through," said O'Donnell.

"The players know it is up to them how far they go.

"I want them to put the numbers on the board and force the selectors' hands in that way. It is a season I'm really looking forward to."

IN: Kerry Walmsley (from Otago), Paul Hitchcock (from Wellington).

OUT: None

SQUAD: Mark Richardson, Lou Vincent, Matt Horne, Tim McIntosh, Rob Nicol, Tama Canning, Llorne Howell, Aaron Barnes, Craig Pryor, Andre Adams, Kyle Mills, Reece Young, Brooke Walker, Walmsley, Hitchcock, Michael Bates, Sam Whiteman, Gareth Shaw, Shane Singe, Heath Davis.

COACH: Mark O'Donnell.