IT WILL be the Northern Districts cricket team stepping out against Auckland in the first round of the State Shield at Eden Park tomorrow - but not as we know it.
For the first time in more than a decade, Northland's Joseph Yovich has not been selected on form. Since his
debut 10 years ago, he has missed the odd game with injury, but selection has not been a concern. Until now.
Now Yovich has been squeezed out of the Knights' one-day squad and is expected to turn out for the ND A-team instead. Fellow Northlander Tim Southee did get the nod, as did newcomer Kane Williamson from Bay of Plenty, for the first two rounds of the State Shield - the game starting in Auckland tomorrow and the match against the Central Stags in Whangarei on Wednesday.
ND coach Andy Moles said Yovich had missed out as ND's queue of all-rounders was growing, putting pressure on holding down a starting spot.
"Unfortunately for Joey, we have got some real competition in our squad now. We have some bowlers showing a bit more consistency who have just got their noses ahead of Joey, especially in the quick (bowling) and all-rounder areas," Moles said.
It was a bold move from Moles, who is entering his second season in charge of ND - especially as he is about to head north to Yovich country at Cobham Oval once the game in Auckland is over. But the Englishman was hardly apologetic.
"Joey has got to go away, score runs and get wickets for the ND A team to force his way back in. He is an exceptional cricketer, has got lots of qualities and there is a long season to go yet, so there is every chance he will be back," Moles said.
ND finished fourth in the State Shield last season, their performances blighted by inconsistencies in both batting and bowling. But Moles reckons the recent one-day hit-out against Bangladesh set a theme that could carry the side into the one-day season with confidence.
"Everything we had not done well in the four-day (State Championship) we started getting right in the game and a half we had against Bangladesh. We bowled well and tight and got early wickets. With the bat, we had partnerships up front. If we can do that then we will do well."
Auckland will be boosted by Lou Vincent's return and the ongoing form of Andre Adams. The game will be on the Eden Park outer oval.
IT WILL be the Northern Districts cricket team stepping out against Auckland in the first round of the State Shield at Eden Park tomorrow - but not as we know it.
For the first time in more than a decade, Northland's Joseph Yovich has not been selected on form. Since his
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