Thursday, 4 February 2016

The Mondiale Auckland Aces have named some fresh faces in their squad for the fourth round of the Plunket Shield starting in Christchurch at Hagley Oval tomorrow.

Rob Nicol will lead the side against Canterbury but injuries to bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Matthew Quinn mean extra bowling cover has been added to the squad. Auckland A rep and Suburbs New Lynn all rounder Sean Solia has joined the squad and offers a medium pace swing option.

Nathan McAndrew has also been added as further bowling cover. McAndrew comes to the side from Sydney where he's been a part of the Sydney Thunder set up and playing grade cricket for Bankstown. If selected it would be both players first match in any format for Auckland.

Mondiale Aces coach Mark O'Donnell says his side knows they will have to be consistent performers to maintain their lead in the Plunket Shield.

“Seven rounds of four day cricket back to back is a tough task for any team. Making sure our side are prepared well and loads are managed properly will be key to getting through.”

"Canterbury are a stiff challenge no matter when you come up against them. You always need to adjust to playing at Hagley and we have planned for that well in our training this week."

A team for tomorrow's game will be named from the following 12 players:

Rob Nicol (c) (Cornwall)
Michael Bates (Suburbs New Lynn)
Brad Cachopa (Takapuna)
Colin de Grandhomme (Howick Pakuranga)
Donovan Grobbelaar (Howick Pakuranga)
Michael Guptill-Bunce (Cornwall)
Shawn Hicks (Howick Pakuranga)
Nathan McAndrew (Bankstown)
Tarun Nethula (Cornwall)
Robbie O'Donnell (Takapuna)
Jeet Raval (Suburbs New Lynn)
Sean Solia (Suburbs New Lynn)

Click here for AUDIO with Rob Nicol previewing the match.

Click here for AUDIO with Nathan McAndrew on his arrival in Auckland.

ends