Northern Districts aren't about to veer from their simple policy before their second Champions League group game against the Hobart Hurricanes in Raipur early tomorrow.

Northern Districts are discovering the joys of having class players in their Champions League cricket squad.

The major associations yesterday finalised their contracts for the 2014-15 season. Each team has 15 contracted spots available, with New Zealand Cricket's 20 centrally contracted players not considered.

New Zealand Cricket's radical overhaul of domestic cricket is nearly complete, and the six major associations have agreed to initiatives it is hoped will revitalise the game.

Sporting careers, for better or worse, can turn on details which seem small at the time.

Auckland Cricket is not impressed at the possibility of its cricket pitch at Eden Park being replaced with a hotel, offices and takeaway outlets.

A confidential report to be tabled before the NZC board recommends a dramatic overhaul of the domestic game, including selling teams to private investors.

After endurance drove Brendon McCullum's exploits this summer, a more abbreviated stay at the crease earned victory at the World T20.

Auckland suffered a third straight 50-over loss while leaders Northern Districts also had their wings clipped in Hamilton yesterday.

Auckland lost their lead in the domestic 50-over competition when well beaten by Central Districts at Eden Park yesterday.

Defending domestic one-day cricket champions Auckland made it two from two as they beat Central Districts by 92 runs in Nelson yesterday.

There's new-found cordiality between Jesse Ryder, Doug Bracewell and New Zealand Cricket but both players remain long odds to appear at the World Cup next February and March.

Auckland are confident they have the game, and the 50-over smarts, to defend their domestic title when the condensed competition starts tomorrow.

Craig Cachopa scored a career high 203 yesterday as Auckland recovered from 54 for five to reach 370 for eight on the opening day of their match against Wellington.

Australia's selectors face their most important decision since the recall of Mitchell Johnson, as they mull the best response to Shane Watson's late scratching.

Auckland are well-placed to press for the victory they need at the halfway mark of their Plunket Shield clash with Canterbury.