Polly Inglis, seen here against the Central Hinds in a Super Smash game in Dunedin last season, could figure in the runs when the Otago Sparks play the Canterbury Magicians in Alexandra today. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
The Otago Sparks will be hoping to ignite their Super Smash season too when they face the Canterbury Magicians in their opening game this afternoon.
The Sparks have been in some sort of form in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, winning their opening six games and sit 15 points clear at the top of the table.
Now they have the T20 league to turn their attention to and coach Craig Cumming has named a strong team to face Canterbury.
Suzie Bates and Bella James return from White Ferns duty against Australia, where both looked good.
During the second ODI, Bates became the first woman in history to pass 25,000 career runs, with 5838 ODI runs and 4584 T20 runs.
New Super Smash captain Hayley Jensen will be a key cog in the Sparks' experienced bowling attack, aided by Emma Black, Eden Carson, also returning from White Ferns duty, and Molly Loe.
England international spinner Kirstie Gordon has also returned to the Sparks this summer.
Gordon played for the Sparks in the 2022-23 Super Smash season and has been in sublime form in the English domestic T20 season, where she was the leading wicket-taker.
Caitlin Blakely, Polly Inglis, Olivia Gain and Felicity Robertson all add plenty with the bat as well.
A player of note to watch for in the Canterbury side is experienced India international Shikha Pandey.
The 35-year-old allrounder has been signed by the Magicians for the Super Smash campaign.
The Otago Volts will also play the Canterbury Kings in Alexandra this afternoon.
Captain Luke Georgeson is out with injury, and Jacob Duffy is on Black Caps duty.
Young Mason Clarke and spinner Lahiru Vimukthi are poised to make their debut. Matt Bacon and Andrew Hazeldine return from injury.
Molyneux Park will host three Otago games between Christmas and New Year.
Otago next host Auckland on Sunday and Central on Tuesday. Children will get free entry to the New Year's Eve game.
Super Smash
Today, Alexandra, 12.40pm
Otago Sparks: Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Olivia Gain, Kirstie Gordon, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Hayley Jensen (c), Molly Loe, Felicity Robertson.
Canterbury Magicians: Kate Anderson, Saraj Asmussen, Missy Banks, Jodie Dean, Kate Ebrahim, Abigale Gerken, Laura Hughes, Shikha Pandey, Maddie Penna, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan.
