Two newcomers in Auckland squad for Lincoln

Michael Bates and Shane Singe have been included in the 12-man State Auckland Aces squad to play in a series of matches against the New Zealand Cricket Academy and Canterbury at New Zealand Cricket's High Performance Centre at Lincoln University.

Bates, 20, a left-arm pace bowler, represented New Zealand in the Under-19 World Cup in January last year. He plays for the Suburbs New Lynn club in the Auckland club competition. Singe is a wicketkeeper and left-handed opening batsman who captains the Papatoetoe side.

The team play three two-day matches at Lincoln Green: Nov 19-20 v Academy Selection, Nov 21-22 v Academy Selection, and Nov 24-25 v Canterbury.

Lou Vincent and Tama Canning will join the Aces on Thursday, and opener Mark Richardson will continue to appear for the Academy Selection. Matt Horne will not be at Lincoln, after sustaining a calf muscle injury in club cricket on November 8.

Paul Hitchcock and Kyle Mills are travelling with the Black Caps, and return from India tomorrow.

Three players named in the squad in September have not been included in the team to play at Lincoln. They are Llorne Howell, who is not expected to play in the early rounds of the State Championship, Gareth Shaw and Andy McKay.

Selector Rowan Armour will take the team south, with manager Fred Thomas. State Auckland Aces coach Mark O'Donnell will replace Armour on Thursday.

The team is: Brooke Walker (capt-Howick Pakuranga), Andre Adams (Takapuna), Aaron Barnes (Cornwall), Michael Bates (Suburbs New Lynn), Tim Lythe (Auckland University), Tim McIntosh (Parnell), Rob Nicol (Cornwall), Craig Pryor (Grafton United), Shane Singe (Papatoetoe), Sam Whiteman (Howick Pakuranga), Kerry Walmsley (Howick Pakuranga), Reece Young (Suburbs New Lynn).