Mark Orchard turns down Northern Districts contract

Mark Orchard, the allrounder, has been omitted from Northern Districts' list of contracted players for the 2008-09 domestic season. Orchard had informed the state association of his plans to pursue his career outside cricket, though he may still play as a non-contracted player.

"Mark's working for ANZ in a marketing role and wants to pursue some things other than cricket," David Cooper, the Northern Districts chief executive, told the Waikato Times.

Besides Orchard, batsmen Nick Horsley and Brad Wilson are the other omissions from the list. Andrew Strauss, the England opening batsman who represented the state side last season, however will not be in action this time.

Notable inclusions include the Under-19 captain Kane Williamson, seamers Simon Andrews, Trent Boult and Bradley Scott, and Sydney-based batsman Cameron Merchant. Boult is currently with New Zealand's Emerging Players squad in Australia for a four-nation tournament.

Batsman Michael Parlane returns to Northern Districts after spending five seasons with Wellington.

"Michael approached us to see if he would be part of our thinking and we were keen to accommodate him," Cooper said. "We have a young, highly talented batting line-up. Andrew Strauss last year gave us the experience we might otherwise have lacked and Michael can do that this season, especially if James Marshall is involved with the Black Caps (New Zealand)."

The top-ranked player will earn a NZ $36,500 retainer between October 1 and April 15 and the 12th-ranked set to earn $19,500 in addition to match fees.