Ben Yock gains prominent place in NZ cricket history

Canterbury wicket-keeper Ben Yock earned himself a place in New Zealand cricket history today when becoming the first member of the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association to break ranks and agree to play for Canterbury.

Yock will be part of the Canterbury team that will play a one-day and two-day pre-season game against Otago at Rangiora starting on Sunday.

The Players' Association has had its 128 members out on strike since October 1 while it was negotiating with New Zealand Cricket over their work agreements.

NZC withdrew from the process last week when unable to budge the Players' Association from their position.

With claims of stand-over tactics from Players' Association members over non-Players' Association members considering coming from all around the country, Yock's defection has to be yet another bodyblow for what has been a troubled campaign by the Players' Association.

Otago have not yet named their team but say they will have a side for the match.

Included in the Otago team will be overseas player, and former Pakistan international, Mohammad Wasim.

Canterbury's team has several promising young players included.

Matches at Dudley Park, will both start at 10am.

The Canterbury teams are:

Sunday (one-day):

Paul Rugg (captain), Bernhard Ballin, Andy McDowell, Ben Yock, Neil Broom, Peter Borren, Chris Sowden, Jeremy Kench, Todd Elliotte, Brendon Donkers, Brandon Hiini, David Hay, Leighton Burtt.

Monday and Tuesday (two-day):

Paul Rugg (captain), Bernhard Ballin, Andy McDowell, Danny Barclay, Neil Broom, Andrew Buckingham, Chris Sowden, Todd Elliotte, Peter Borren, Brendon Donkers, Brandon Hiini, Adam Chambers, Leighton Burtt.