Squad News: ACES Eye Strong Finish Before Red-Ball Return

The Auckland ACES head to Wellington for their final Ford Trophy fixture before the competition breaks for the Plunket Shield. It’s a crucial clash against the Firebirds at Cello Basin Reserve on Wednesday, with the potential for the winner to finish this phase of the season in second place on the table.

After a challenging outing against the Stags at home, the ACES will be eager to respond and showcase what they’re capable of, building momentum and confidence to carry into the rest of the summer across all formats. The group has shown resilience throughout the early rounds of the competition and will be determined to close this stage of the season on a high.

Despite the result against the Stags, there were bright individual highlights, none more so than Harrish Kannan’s outstanding innings of 106 - his maiden List A century, achieved in only his fourth appearance at this level. His composed knock underlined both his promise and the growing depth within the ACES batting lineup.

The ACES’ Ford Trophy campaign has provided valuable opportunities for players across the squad, with several individuals making meaningful contributions in key moments. The balance of experienced leaders and emerging talent continues to drive competition within the side, as they look to finish this phase of the season with momentum.

The ACES are boosted by the return of Adi Ashok, whose leg-spin and lower-order batting provide a valuable all-round option. Ashok, who impressed earlier in the season before injury, has been a key figure for Auckland across formats and will be eager to make an immediate impact in his return to the squad.

It’s an important period in the domestic calendar, with the List A competition pausing for the return of the Plunket Shield ahead of Christmas. A strong performance in Wellington would provide the ideal springboard into the red-ball campaign and ensure the ACES remain well-positioned when the Ford Trophy resumes in February.

The ACES take on the Wellington Firebirds in Round 5 of the Ford Trophy at Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington, with the first ball at 10:30 am on Wednesday 12 November.

Match details:
Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland ACES
Ford Trophy – Round 5
Wednesday 12 November, 10:30 am
Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
Free entry

Auckland ACES squad:

Adi Ashok - Suburbs New Lynn
Cam Fletcher - Suburbs New Lynn
Rohit Gulati - Papatoetoe
Ryan Harrison - East Coast Bays
Bevon Jacobs - Hibiscus Coast
Harrish Kannan - Cornwall
Simon Keene - North Shore
Jock McKenzie - North Shore
Dale Phillips - Howick Pakuranga
Jaskaran Sandhu - Suburbs New Lynn
Sean Solia - Suburbs New Lynn
Lachie Stackpole - Howick Pakuranga

Unavailable due to injury: Ben Lister, Angus Olliver, Samrath Singh.

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