Popli named in ND team for opening clash

Central Indians' player Bharat Popli has been named in the Northern Districts team for their opening Plunket Shield match against Canterbury tomorrow. Photo/File

Central Indians' Bharat Popli has been named in the Northern Districts team for their season opening match tomorrow.

Five Bay of Plenty players including Daniel Flynn, who has been named captain, Dean Brownlie, Joe Carter, Tony Goodin, and Polpi have been named in the team to face Cantebury in the first round of the Plunket Shield in Christchurch.

Northern Districts are confident of a competitive start to the cricket season despite missing eight players who are on tour with the Blackcaps in India.

The work put into the Northern Districts spring camp has given coach James Pamment confidence that the team is ready to play, despite inclement weather interfering with their preparation.

"The final preparation has finished outstandingly well over the past week. The players are very well conditioned and have put more guided hours into their skill development than in previous years," said Pamment.

"We have been fortunate to get some excellent time on very good grass surfaces over the recent weeks at the Bay Oval. Both the nets and the centre wicket have been ideal for our transition to competitive play. We are so very fortunate to have The Bay Oval in our region. The facilities and the staff there have been first class."

Northern Districts came away with a draw in March when they last faced Canterbury at Hagley Oval and Pamment is looking forward to another challenging game.

"The first game will be tough. Canterbury at Hagley are always a tough nut to crack but we will take confidence from our last outing there and we will look to start with a positive performance."

The match starts at 10.30am tomorrow at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Northern Districts team to play Canterbury:

Daniel Flynn (C), Bay of Plenty
James Baker, Hamilton
Dean Brownlie, Bay of Plenty
Joe Carter, Bay of Plenty
Zak Gibson, Waikato Valley
Tony Goodin, Bay of Plenty
Nick Kelly, Counties Manukau
Scott Kuggeleijn, Hamilton
Daryl Mitchell, Hamilton
Bharat Popli, Bay of Plenty
Tim Seifert, Waikato Valley
Josef Walker, Hamilton