Strong Otago A team named for Canterbury matches

No fewer than six Otago Volts players have been included in the Otago A side for the first of two matches against Canterbury in February, the games concluding this summer's Provincial A competition.

Mohammad Wasim, Andrew Hore, Jordan Sheed, Marcel McKenzie, James McMillan and David Sewell have been named for the game in Christchurch starting on Sunday, with the majority needing game time. After a fine start to the State Shield, Wasim and McKenzie lost form, mirroring the Volts fortunes, while McMillan has bowled few overs so far this summer.

Sheed and Sewell have been regular members of the A side and Hore's inclusion gives him the opportunity to fight his way back into the Volts team for the remainder of the State Championship campaign.

Eric Standfield, a New Zealand Under-19 player this season, has also been included while Chris Gaffaney, the regular captain this year, is not available due to his involvement with the South Island selection in Sunday's State of Origin match in Auckland.

Otago lies just three points adrift of the competition lead in third place with the two games against Canterbury to play while the red and blacks are a more distant fourth.

The Otago A team for the match against Canterbury A in Christchurch on Sunday and Monday, February 2 and 3 is: Mohammad Wasim, Andrew Hore, Darin Smith, Jordan Sheed, Marcel McKenzie, Anthony Wilkinson, Tim Weston, Jarrad Waldron, Nathan McCullum, Eric Standfield, James McMillan and David Sewell. Coach: Mike Hesson. Manager: George Morris.