State Canterbury Wizards double-header squad named

The Canterbury Cricket selectors have announced a strong 13-man squad to play the double-header weekend State Shield matches at Jade Stadium.

The inclusion of all Canterbury TelstraClear Black Caps for the two matches provides the last opportunity to view these players before they depart for the ICC World Cup in South Africa next week.

The State Canterbury Wizards will be without in-form Michael Papps after he suffered a broken nose at Timaru yesterday while open batting. Gareth Hopkins has been drafted into the side to fill the wicket-keeping role.

Currently the red and blacks are top of the State Shield table, equal with Auckland on 19 points. Surprisingly three teams, Central Districts, Northern Districts and Wellington are on 18 points, separating five teams by only one point.

If the State Canterbury Wizards remain at the top of the table after this weekend's action, they are guaranteed a place in the finals. The State Shield schedule does not require the top qualifier to play a semi-final.

Friday will see the State Canterbury Wizards take on the State Otago Volts in a day/night match starting at 2.30pm. The State Auckland Aces will try their luck on Sunday, starting at 12 noon.

Gates open an hour before the start of each match and tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 18 years.

The State Canterbury Wizards squad is:

Gary Stead (captain)
Carl Anderson
Nathan Astle
Shane Bond
Chris Cairns
Stephen Cunis
Peter Fulton
Chris Harris
Gareth Hopkins
Craig McMillan
Chris Martin
Hayden Shaw
Shanan Stewart