Domestic cricket preview: Central Districts

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Craig Spearman will again add solidity at the top of the batting order in his summer sojourn which will see him play the first part of the championship programme and all shield matches.

Coach Mark Greatbatch already has the one-day final in his sights as a fitting farewell before Spearman returns to England.

"I feel we have a bit more depth in the squad this season," said Greatbatch. "The six days we had at the academy in Christchurch was very beneficial.

"This is a season where young players like Jesse Ryder will be looking to step up." When Jacob Oram is on international duty, Glen Sulzberger will captain CD.

IN: Jarrod Englefield (from Canterbury).

OUT: Martyn Sigley (overseas), Greg Loveridge (overseas).

SQUAD: Peter Ingram, Jamie How, Mathew Sinclair, Craig Spearman, Glen Sulzberger, Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder, Jacob Oram, Bevan Griggs, Greg Todd, Englefield, Regan West, Ewen Thompson, Richard Sherlock, Brent Hefford, Lance Hamilton, Michael Mason, Andrew Schwass.

COACH: Mark Greatbatch.