Cricket: Boult to make timely Knights return

BIG DRAWCARD: Trent Boult, Black Caps bowler, will start for the Northern Knights against Canterbury today. PHOTO/PETER WHITE A-110613PW01BOP

The SKYCITY Northern Knights have made one major change to the squad that defeated the Central Stags in Nelson on December 27.

In-form Black Caps fast bowler Trent Boult bolsters the line-up for the first of two matches at Bay Oval at Blake Park today following a short recovery from a thigh strain.

The local Otumoetai Cadets paceman replaces Australian Chris Tremain, who has returned to the Sydney Thunder following his imposing performance against the Stags.

Boult was in outstanding form during the test series versus the West Indies, taking 20 wickets at an average of 15.

He will be looking for success in the limited-overs formats to force his inclusion into the national one-day set-up.

The first match against the Canterbury Wizards starts at 4pm today, with the second on Saturday, also at 4pm, against the Wellington Firebirds.

Knights captain Daniel Flynn (Mount Maunganui) will also be pleased with the return of his spinners Jono Boult (Otumoetai Cadets) and Ish Sodhi. Sodhi has just returned from a couple of days in Melbourne during which he spent some time with the great Shane Warne.

The Knights presently sit top of the HRV Twenty20 competition with four wins and a loss. Success in both matches would likely see them cement a spot in the finals which are to be played in Hamilton on January 17 and 18.

The Knights will also take part in some community activities while in Mount Maunganui, highlighted by a free kids' cricket clinic at Blake Park from 2.30pm on January 3. Admission to the clinic is free for Junior Knights members. Kids can sign up for their free membership on the day.

Tickets to the two limited-overs matches are on sale at www.gotheknights.co.nz