Domestic cricket preview: Wellington

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Wellington have fashioned a solid record in recent seasons with a reasonably settled squad.

Coach Vaughn Johnson, who will miss the opener against Central Districts at the Basin Reserve because of his commitment with the New Zealand team in Pakistan is looking forward to another strong showing.

"We all but won the State Championship last season," said Johnson. "Now I'm looking for the same players who did well then to step up again. Our batsmen need to stick their hands up and get a big score.

"We have sufficient depth in our fast bowling stable to be able to rotate them and share the workload."

Johnson sees it as an important season for James Franklin as he strives to regain his place in the New Zealand team. Johnson also welcomes Matthew Walker's selection in the current national side.

"That showed players who perform will get noticed."

Matthew Bell stays captain.

IN: Michael Parlane (from ND).

OUT: Paul Hitchcock (to Auckland).

SQUAD: Matthew Bell, Richard Jones, Stephen Fleming, Neal Parlane, Michael Parlane, Luke Woodcock, James Franklin, Chris Nevin, Iain O'Brien, Jeetan Patel, Matthew Walker, Grant Donaldson, Andrew Penn, Mark Gillespie, Stu Mills, Leighton Morgan, James Hill, Simon Allen.

COACH: Vaughn Johnson.