Boost for Canterbury's revival effort

Canterbury's effort to lift themselves out of the depths of the Shell Cup table tomorrow is likely to be given a boost by the presence of their test players in the sixth round match against Auckland.

Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan and Chris Martin have been included in the squad of 13 from which the team for the contest on the Outer Oval at Eden Park will be selected. Canterbury, at present on three points with only the hapless Wellington behind them, need this win to maintain any hope of contesting the semi-finals.

Auckland, coming off an unlikely win against Otago to hold third place, will be hoping for an improved performance from their leading batsmen. The bottom order provided some respectability in the match against Wellington before guiding them to victory at Alexandra. John Aiken aside, pickings have been slim at the top.