Auckland Aces face Hobart Hurricanes

The Auckland Aces leave tomorrow for a whirlwind trip Hobart to play two matches against the Hobart Hurricanes BBL team.

The Aces will head across the ditch to warm up for the Burger King Super Smash by playing two matches against Hobart’s full-strength Big Bash side, including George Bailey, Tymal Mills and Jofra Archer.

To help take on the Australians, the Aces have called in their big guns – BLACKCAPS Martin Guptill, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell McClenaghan, and Colin Munro will all be making the trip across.

Guptill is eager to get back playing after being sidelined for the early part of the season with injury.

“I’m looking forward to playing against the Hurricanes this week,” he says.

“It’ll be great to have a hit-out ahead of the T20 comp next week. I know our guys are excited about the prospect of playing against a top BBL team and test our skills in a different environment.”

“I think it’s going to be a great couple of days for both teams.”

Head coach Mark O’Donnell says that the chance to play a full-strength BBL side is a great opportunity and being able to select an experienced squad puts the Aces on the front foot.

“It is rare that we are able to select a top five that have all played international T20 cricket,” says O’Donnell.

“The fact that they all wanted to go over and play the Hurricanes highlights their commitment to the Aces, and the excitement around the two matches.”

The team flies over to Hobart early tomorrow morning and will play two matches on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 December. They then return to prepare for the opening match of the Burger King Super Smash, on 24 December at Eden Park Outer Oval.

Auckland Aces Squad to face Hobart Hurricanes
Craig Cachopa(C)
Graeme Beghin
Mark Chapman
Danru Ferns
Martin Guptill
Ben Horne
Ben Lister
Mitch McClenaghan
Colin Munro
Robert O’Donnell
Glenn Phillips
Matt Quinn
Sean Solia

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