Black Caps offspinner Nathan McCullum is a key member of the Volts but he will be busy debriefing after today's one-day international against Pakistan while his provincial side prepares for its game.
His absence will be sorely felt. He has been in wonderful batting form and has taken nine wickets at an average of 17.33 and conceded a measly average of four runs an over.
In tandem with left-arm spinner Nick Beard, the pair have been able to create an enormous amount of pressure on the opposition by keeping the run rate in check and controlling the middle overs. But with McCullum elsewhere, Otago has had to alter its game plan.
"It changes the balance of our side," Otago coach Mike Hesson said.
"We've had the luxury of having two and a-half spinners with Nathan and Nick bowling so well for us, and Aaron Redmond also taking the pace off it.
"Aaron will probably bowl a little bit more. He has been bowling particularly well for us but will have to step up with the ball.
"And the game will probably be more seam orientated," Hesson added.
"So it will change things. And also the intensity Nathan brings for us in the field. He sets the tone for us so other people will have to pick up the slack."
With McCullum unavailable, English import Darren Stevens will be called on to bowl some tight overs and bat in the middle order.
"Darren will cover that role nicely for us," Hesson said.
Strike bowler Neil Wagner will also be missing for a little longer. He split the webbing on his bowling hand while attempting to field the ball during Otago's 43-run win against Central Districts on Sunday and missed the Wednesday's rained-out match against Northern Districts in Invercargill.
Otago has resisted the urge to rush him back.
"We have to be a little cautious because if he gets a knock on it, he could be out for another week and it is not worth it," Hesson said.
Hesson felt his side was robbed of a probable victory in Invercargill. Northern Districts had reached 201 for nine when rain closed in after just 45 overs.
Otago was pleased with its effort and believed it was well-placed to chase down the runs on what was a batsman-friendly surface.
"It was hugely disappointing," Hesson said. "We bowled so well and we'd had the better of the game. But you just have to take that on the chin."
Auckland leads the competition with three wins from four matches and a win in Oamaru will probably be enough to secure a play-off spot.
The visitors have made one change to the team that beat Central Districts by 40 runs on Wednesday.
Spinner Bhupinder Singh replaces experienced seamer Daryl Tuffey, who is being rested.
Auckland coach Paul Strang was happy with the way his side batted against Central.
"We dug ourselves a bit of a hole, really. So it was nice to see the guys down the order respond to that challenge and put runs on the board when we really needed them," Strang explained.
Former Black Cap Lou Vincent missed out against Central but he has scored 198 runs at 66 and former Otago wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins has scored 199 runs at 49.75.
Opener Jeet Ravel and fellow left-hander Colin Munro also shape as a threat with the bat.
Mercurial Andre Adams has taken seven wickets and Michael Bates, though a little on the expensive side, has also claimed nine scalps.
OTAGO v AUCKLAND
- Oamaru, tomorrow
• Otago: Aaron Redmond, Michael Bracewell, Neil Broom, Craig Cumming (captain), Darren Broom, Darren Stevens, Ian Butler, Derek de Boorder, Nick Beard, Craig Smith, James McMillan, Warren McSkimming.
• Auckland: Andre Adams, Michael Bates, Colin de Grandhomme, Roneel Hira, Gareth Hopkins (captain), Anaru Kitchen, Kyle Mills, Colin Munro, Jeet Raval, Greg Todd, Bhupiner Singh, Lou Vincent.
