Fierce competition preceded Otago selection

The State Otago Volts Shell Trophy and Shell Cup sides for the first two games in each competition were named today.

Volts coach Denis Aberhart said: "The competition for places in both sides has been fierce".

"We've had a winter training squad in excess of 25, with players challenging each other for places in these teams. This will continue throughout the summer, and no player will be guaranteed of a starting place - it's all up to performance and I know those in the Provincial 'A' side (2nd XI) will be on the heels of the Volts."

Three players will make their Volts Trophy debut, with Craig Pryor and Craig Cumming looking to revitalise their first-class careers through their move south. Right arm fast bowler James McMillan is set to make his first senior appearance, partnering David Sewell and Warren McSkimming in the seam attack.

"James has bowled his way into the side, with consistently impressive pre-season form. He has tremendous pace and the ability to swing the ball, and has the potential to be a significant contributor at this level", said Aberhart.

Nathan McCullum has been included in both squads, bracketed with the injured CLEAR Black Cap Paul Wiseman in the four-day team. McCullum, who debuted in spectacular style last season taking four wickets in his only game, was vice-captain of the New Zealand Youth side last year. Wiseman's fitness will be assessed on his return from South Africa.

Wicketkeeper Martyn Croy, injured pre-season, makes a return to the team. "Martyn has spent the last few weeks giving his ankle extra time to heal, and has made useful contributions at club level. We are looking forward to him recapturing the form of last season, which saw him on the fringes of the New Zealand side", said Aberhart.

Leading the four-day side will be Matt Horne who has been overcoming the hand injury that forced his withdrawal from the CLEAR Black Caps tour of South Africa. Aberhart said, "Matt has been an integral part of the pre-season programme and has made a tremendous contribution off the field. We are very fortunate to now have him available for the whole first-class season, and know he will excel as leader of the side".

The Shell Cup team sees a slightly different line-up, with the captaincy role being taken over by Lee Germon who comes into the side for the one-day matches only. Mark Billcliff (unavailable for first-class cricket due to business commitments) also joins the one-day line-up, which is stacked with all rounders and has a depth in the batting ranks.

Shell Super Max semi-finalists, the Volts are looking to build on the form shown in the shorter version of the game. Aberhart pays special mention of top order batsmen Andrew Hore and Chris Gaffaney who both excelled in Max. "We are looking to these two players to build on their early season form, and lead from the front."

The teams for rounds one and two of the Shell Trophy and Cup (v Central Stags and Wellington Firebirds) are:

Shell Trophy: Matt Horne (captain), Martyn Croy (wicket-keeper), Craig Cumming, Simon Forde, Chris Gaffaney, Andrew Hore, Karl O'Dowda, Craig Pryor, Nathan McCullum (Paul Wiseman), James McMillan, Warren McSkimming, David Sewell.

Shell Cup: Lee Germon (captain), Mark Billcliff, Martyn Croy (wicket-keeper), Craig Cumming, Simon Forde, Chris Gaffaney, Andrew Hore, Matt Horne, Craig Pryor, Karl O'Dowda, Nathan McCullum, Warren McSkimming.