Cricket: Auckland back at scene of horror run

Gareth Hopkins. Photo / APN

Auckland return to the scene of their poorest batting return of the campaign for their major semifinal in the 50-over competition at Pukekura Park tomorrow.

The players must feel as though they have hardly been away from the picturesque New Plymouth ground.

The defending champions played Central Districts in their final round-robin game of the Ford Trophy on Wednesday, and were rolled for 123 in seam-friendly conditions, losing by eight wickets. Only Colin Munro, with 44 from 54 balls, got as far as 15.

That followed a 102-run loss to Wellington, meaning Auckland lost their way after a strong start.

CD, by contrast, came home on a wet sail, beating Canterbury by seven wickets, then Auckland. The reward will be hosting the final, if they beat Auckland tomorrow.

Auckland, who won more games, four, in the round-robin than any other side, will host if they win tomorrow.

The loser gets a second bite - courtesy of finishing in the top two - against the winner of the minor semifinal, between Otago and Canterbury in Dunedin tomorrow. So while there is a safety net for the loser in New Plymouth, they'd both rather take route one into the final.

"If we win we have a home final with the huge advantage of playing at Colin Maiden Park, in conditions we know," Auckland captain Gareth Hopkins said yesterday.

Should the pitch have a similar amount of damp in it tomorrow as earlier in the week, the decision at the toss should be a no-brainer. Hopkins has the view that on a small ground "you get the feeling you're never out of the game if you're chasing".

Auckland have dropped opener Tim McIntosh and spinner Bruce Martin, with allrounder Andre Adams fit again, experienced batsman Neal Parlane coming in, along with test seamer Chris Martin.

Otago dropped a selection bombshell for their semifinal, dumping out-of-sorts captain Aaron Redmond from the side altogether.

Ford Trophy major semifinal
Central Districts v Auckland
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, 11am tomorrow

CD: (possible) Jamie How, Dean Robinson, Carl Cachopa, Mathew Sinclair, Greg Todd, Kieran Noema Barnett, Kruger van Wyk, Bevan Small, Michael Mason, Adam Milne, Martin Kain, Stevie Smidt.

Auckland: Gareth Hopkins, Brad Cachopa, Jeet Raval, Anaru Kitchen, Neal Parlane, Colin de Grandhomme, Colin Munro, Ronnie Hira, Andre Adams, Mitchell McClenaghan, Dusan Hakaraia, Dean Bartlett, Chris Martin.