Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum will make a rare appearance for Otago.
McCullum last played a first-class game for the province in November 2011 but has been released by New Zealand Cricket to play in the Plunket Shield match against Canterbury in Rangiora beginning tomorrow.
The game will form a key part of his preparation for the Boxing Day test against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.
McCullum replaces Ryan Duffy in the only change to the 12 which was beaten by Northern Districts in the last round.
While Otago lost, the team showed tremendous character with the bat on the last day and came close to chasing down a mammoth victory target of 502.
McCullum's appearance for the Otago will strengthen the batting considerably. He has had a wonderful 12 months for the Black Caps, posting two double hundreds and a triple century.
Otago coach Dimitri Mascarenhas is understandably pleased McCullum would suit up for the Volts.
''It is obviously fantastic to welcome Brendon into the squad for this week,'' he said.
''Not only are we gaining an exceptional player but we are getting a guy who will bring a lot of enthusiasm, experience and a positive vibe to the dressing room.
''It is natural that the rest of the group will enjoy having Brendon around. It's a rare opportunity for some of our younger guys to play with the national captain.''
''That said, there is a number of areas which we need to improve and it is up to each individual in the squad to do their bit and help the team make those gains.''
Batsman Jesse Ryder and all-rounder Sam Wells head a list of six players not considered due to injury.
Otago v Canterbury
Rangiora, starting tomorrow
Otago: Aaron Redmond (captain), Hamish Rutherford, Michael Bracewell, Brendon McCullum, Brad Rodden, Derek de Boorder, Mark Craig, Neil Wagner, Bradley Scott, Michael Rae, Jacob Duffy, Nick Beard.
