Experienced seamer Warren McSkimming returns to strengthen the Otago attack for its Plunket Shield match against Wellington at the Basin Reserve today.
The Volts have made one forced change from the side that beat Auckland.
Offspinner Nathan McCullum has joined the Black Caps in India for the ODI series and has been replaced by McSkimming.
McSkimming has been an automatic selection in Otago sides for the past six seasons but strained a muscle in a warm-up match against Canterbury earlier this month and missed the opening game of the summer.
The selectors overlooked the 31-year-old for last week's game, citing a lack of match fitness.
"He was fit last week but he just didn't have the bowling under his belt," Otago coach Mike Hesson said.
"He's bowled 35-40 overs this week and got himself up to speed.
"And he was at training [on Sunday] and looked in good nick."
The medium-pacer has been a dependable performer for Otago and, since making his debut in 1999-2000, has taken 210 first-class wickets at an average of 24.99.
If selected in the starting XI, McSkimming will add sting to a well-performed pace attack led by Neil Wagner.
The South African-born left-armer has been in sublime form.
He is the competition's leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps at 11.56 and will take the new ball with either McSkimming or James McMillan.
"Our bowlers have been exceptional during the first two rounds, so Warren will have to push hard to get a spot in that playing XI," Hesson said.
"He has been a super performer for us but the guys have been performing very well.
"So he knows he has to be on top of his game."
All-rounder Sam Wells sustained a knee injury while bowling in the six-wicket win against Auckland and is a "day by day" prospect, Hesson said.
Wells bowled six overs in the nets on Sunday, enough to convince the selectors he was worth a punt.
Even if he cannot bowl, his form with the bat warranted selection.
Wells has featured in several critical partnerships which have helped dig Otago out of some deep holes.
He scored an entertaining 70 in Queenstown after his side had slumped to 38 for four, and added 74 in the first innings against Auckland.
Gloveman Derek de Boorder has also made some valuable contributions and shown plenty of resolve.
The form of the middle order, and Wagner's bright start to the summer, are pleasing but one area where Otago will need to lift its game is at the top of the order.
Opener Craig Cumming was, arguably, in the best form of his career last season but has made a disappointing beginning with scores of 11, 2, 8 and 13.
Aaron Redmond has been hit and miss and Shaun Haig missed out on posting a score of note in the opening match.
Collectively, they have combined in some horrific starts but Hesson is confident the form slump is temporary.
"It is an area we haven't had any concern for the last few years.
"It is certainly not the quality of player.
"Aaron and Craig are high quality players for us and they've worked hard over the last few days and I'm sure they will be ready to go at the Basin."
Wellington has named a relatively inexperienced squad with notable exceptions including captain Neal Parlane, opener Matthew Bell and all-rounder Luke Woodcock.
The likes of Harry Boam, Joe Austin-Smellie, Josh Brodie and Stewart Rhodes are in the promising category but are still feeling their way at first-class level.
Twenty-year-old fast bowler Malaesaili Tugaga has been suspended for six weeks and fined $500 for serious misconduct.
He misled coach Anthony Stuart about his reasons for seeking leave from training last month, telling Stuart he needed to visit a sick relative but instead he travelled to the United States to pursue a modelling opportunity.
Plunket Shield Teams
Otago: Craig Cumming (captain), Aaron Redmond, Shaun Haig, Neil Broom, Darren Broom, Sam Wells, Derek de Boorder, Ian Butler, Neil Wagner, Nick Beard, Warren McSkimming, James McMillan.
Wellington: Neal Parlane (captain), Joe Austin-Smellie, Matthew Bell, Harry Boam, Dewayne Bowden, Josh Brodie, Tipene Friday, Jayde Herrick, Andrew Lamb, Cameron Merchant, Fraser Quarterman, Michael Pollard, Stewart Rhodes, Luke Woodcock.
