Otago is winless in the Plunket Shield this season and an odds-on favourite to extend its losing streak in the tournament to seven - five this year and one at the end of the last summer.
Central has put together a formidable line-up for the round six match at McLean Park today.
The home team has three players in its top five who have played for the Blacks Caps. The bowling unit is even more impressive.
Doug Bracewell, Ben Wheeler, Seth Rance, Blair Tickner and Ajaz Patel have all had a run at the top level.
The Volts, on the other hand, have a makeshift look. They have made changes in an attempt to arrest a horrific run with the bat.
Shawn Hicks is out. Josh Finnie is in. Neither warrant a spot based on form.
Promising keeper Max Chu has been given an opportunity. It will be interesting to see how he goes. But his inclusion means regular gloveman Mitch Renwick will play as a specialist batsman.
He just has not done enough to inspire confidence either.
Aside from Hamish Rutherford, who is an accomplished first-class batsman with 13 first-class hundreds, the Volts' top order looks delicate.
Josh Tasman-Jones has scored 247 runs in six games at an average of 22.45. Finnie has played 17 games and averages 22.
Renwick has had one more game than Finnie and averages 20.20.
Cam Hawkins offers some hope at least. He has only played three games but looks very capable. And he is the only one of the four with an average of more than 30.
When you compare that line-up with some of the players Central has overlooked, you have to wonder just how hard Otago worked the phones during the off season.
There are more than several players who will be busy playing Hawke Cup cricket and perhaps ripe for recruitment.
Nelson will defend the Hawke Cup against Hawke's Bay with the help of talented all-rounders Willem Ludick and Josh Clarkson and spinner Felix Murray.
Meanwhile, Hawke's Bay has gained the services of emerging star Dean Foxcroft, all-rounder Christian Leopard and batsman Brad Schmulian, who scored 203 on his first-class debut.
Top order batsman Ben Smith and pace bowler Bevan Small are another couple of players often surplus to requirement for the Stags.
The other place Otago could look for a bit of help is in its own backyard.
Veteran opener Brad Wilson has seemingly been put out to pasture despite not officially retiring until the end of the season.
While he was not in good touch early on in the competition, he would boost the experience and add resolve. He is a gritty cricketer who is not inclined to throw his wicket away with a rash shot.
He would be especially valuable given Anaru Kitchen is unavailable for this match.
Plunket Shield
Otago v Central Districts
Napier, beginning today, 10.30am
Otago: Hamish Rutherford, Camden Hawkins, Josh Tasman-Jones, Mitch Renwick, Josh Finnie, Michael Rippon, Nathan Smith, Max Chu, Jacob Duffy, Matt Bacon, Warren Barnes, Tommy Clout.
Central Districts: George Worker, Greg Hay (captain), Will Young, Tom Bruce, Dane Cleaver, Kieran Noema-Barnett, Doug Bracewell, Ben Wheeler, Seth Rance, Blair Tickner, Ajaz Patel, Ryan McCone.
