The Volts were supposed to play the Aces in the Ford Trophy Auckland yesterday, but the heavy rain in the country’s biggest city has left the surface unsuitable for list A cricket.
The game was delayed a day and moved north to Whangarei.
It is a longer trip which is energy-zapping. But Otago coach Dion Ebrahim was hopeful of finding a surface which might suit spin.
Otago has stuck with the same 12 which suffered a nine-wicket loss to Central Districts in Dunedin last week, but has added left-arm spinner Ben Lockrose to the squad.
He is fresh from grabbing two seven-wicket bags in club cricket and made a big splash last season when he got opportunities.
"I think the dimension of the outfield and what the surface might present could suit us," Ebrahim said.
"Last season we had two memorable games there against ND, and whilst they were low-scoring it brought spin into play.
"That suits us better with the ability to play an extra spinner or an extra batsmen."
Lockrose starred in one of the games Ebrahim referenced. He took three for 17 to help the Volts clinch a dramatic one-run win.
Finding opportunities for Lockrose to shine further has been difficult. Michael Rippon is the leading spinner in the side and offers added value with the bat.
Middle-order batters Dean Foxcroft and Josh Finnie can also tweak it, so Otago has plenty of slow-bowling options and there is no real pressing need to name a second specialist spinner.
But Lockrose’s recent form is compelling and, coupled with success at the venue last season, it would seem likely he will get a start.
Either all-rounder Jake Gibson will make room or one of the seamers — most likely Matt Bacon — will carry the drinks.
"As you know cricket is very much a confidence game, so Lockers is coming in with a lot of confidence. He has performed quite well for the As and at club cricket."
Ebrahim added there were not many grounds in New Zealand where you get the opportunity to play a second specialist spinner.
"That is why Whangarei might suit us and allow him to come and play a part. But we have to be comfortable with a 3-2 split [between seamers and spinners] and Lockers is fully aware of that.
"He is still only 22 and he’s got a full career ahead of him, so while it can be frustrating I think he understands that we are backing him."
Auckland’s opening game against Northern Districts at Colin Maiden Park had to be rescheduled for Seddon Park on December 10.
The Aces have named a strong side. Black Caps discard Martin Guptill is joined by George Worker at the top of the order, while spinner Will Somerville should be a threat with the ball.
The Ross Dykes Memorial trophy is at stake. The former national selector played his cricket for Auckland but also had a 10-year stint in Otago as the chief executive of the association, so he had a foot firmly planted in both camps.
Canterbury and Central Districts both suffered their first losses in a weather-hit second round of the Ford Trophy yesterday as Wellington and Northern Districts picked up bonus-point wins, placing all four teams on five points at the top of the table.
Paceman Ollie Newton took six for 33 to lead Wellington to a 50-run win in Palmerston North while ND won by eight wickets in Whangarei.
- Otago A’s T20 games against Auckland A and Central Districts A in Taupo yesterday were abandoned without a ball bowled.
But the Zappers did beat Northern Districts by 44 runs on Tuesday. Oscar Wilson top-scored with 42 to help his side post 183 for five, while Travis Muller nabbed two for 23 to help restrict ND to 139 for six.
Ford Trophy
Cobham Oval, 11am
Otago: Hamish Rutherford (captain), Llew Johnson, Dale Phillips, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Finnie, Max Chu, Michael Rippon, Jake Gibson, Jacob Duffy, Ben Lockrose, Michael Rae, Matt Bacon, Thorn Parkes.
Auckland: Martin Guptill, George Worker, Will O’Donnell, Mark Chapman, Robbie O’Donnell, Sean Solia, Ben Horne, Simon Keene, Will Somerville, Adithya Ashok, Ben Lister, Danru Ferns.
