Guptill-Bunce in for Aces return to Plunket Shield

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Cornwall opener Michael Guptill-Bunce is the one new face for the Aces as they head back into four day cricket this Thursday against the Northern Knights.

Guptill-Bunce gets his chance on the back of some excellent club form and a hundred for Auckland A last week. He will join recalled opener Tim McIntosh at the top of the order for the Aces.

In other changes from their HRV Cup line-up the Aces welcome back their New Zealand pair of bowling Martins, Bruce and Chris, after their stint in South Africa.

The Aces sit third on the Plunket Shield points table as they head into this sixth round clash with the Knights and will be keen to put a dent in the 23 point lead that the Central Stags currently enjoy over them.

Coach Paul Strang is confident that the transition back to the longer form will be a smooth one.

"It always takes a bit of adjustment but we've done it once already this season after returning from the Champions League and did it pretty successfully. We've been working hard this week on getting the guys back into the four day groove."

The 12 from which a team will be named for Thursday's game starting 10.30am is as follows:

Gareth Hopkins (Captain) (Parnell)
Dean Bartlett (Ellerslie)
Michael Bates (Suburbs New Lynn)
Craig Cachopa (Takapuna)
Colin de Grandhomme (Howick Pakuranga)
Michael Guptill-Bunce (Cornwall)
Dusan Hakaraia (Grafton United)
Tim McIntosh (Parnell)
Bruce Martin (Parnell)
Chris Martin (Parnell)
Matt Quinn (Cornwall)
Reece Young (Suburbs New Lynn)

ENDS

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