State of Origin teams named

New Zealand Cricket has named the teams to represent the North and South Islands in the State of Origin match to be played on Sunday, February 2.

New Zealand Cricket selector Ross Dykes said the teams had been picked largely on form, however, there were one or two players the selectors wanted to have a look at.

"The only surprise to most would be Jesse Ryder, who is in his first season in the State Shield.

"Ryder has had a pretty good State Shield season for Central Districts and we are keen to have a look at him at this level," Dykes said.

The State of Origin match will form part of a carnival of domestic cricket, which includes the State Shield final, and will be played at the same venue as the final.

Eligibility for the State of Origin teams has been determined by the Major Association for which a player first played either first-class or senior representative one-day cricket. In the case of players who first played for Central Districts, selection was determined by the location of the district from which the player was first selected to play.

If the reserve day for the State Shield final is required on Sunday, February 2, the State of Origin match will be played on Monday, February 3. Both matches will be covered live on Sky Television and TV3.

The teams are:

North Island:

Brooke Walker (captain)
Aaron Barnes
Tama Canning
Matthew Hart
Paul Hitchcock
Matt Horne
Richard Jones
Michael Mason
Chris Nevin
Jesse Ryder
Matthew Walker
Joseph Yovich

South Island:

Gary Stead (captain)
Carl Anderson
Craig Cumming
Stephen Cunis
Chris Gaffaney
Brent Hefford
Llorne Howell
Warren McSkimming
Chris Martin
Shayne O'Connor
Michael Papps
Shanan Stewart