Cricket: Internationals add class to one-day final

Black Cap Luke Ronchi will return for Wellington. Photo / Getty Images

The Ford Trophy one-day domestic cricket final today at Blake Park in Mt Maunganui will have an international flavour to it with 15 players from both Northern Districts and Wellington being past or present New Zealand players.

Nine of Wellington's squad of 12 have played for the Black Caps, including Luke Ronchi who returned from the World T20 in Bangladesh this week.

Northern Districts welcome back Trent Boult and Anton Devcich into their 12, bringing the total number of New Zealand players in their squad to six.

However they will be without some considerable firepower in Tim Southee (unavailable), Kane Williamson (flying directly to England to play for English county cricket side Yorkshire) and Corey Anderson (dislocated finger).

Northern Districts indicated it was felt Southee would "benefit from a brief rest after a long season before he takes off to fulfil his IPL commitments".

There were no such concerns around Boult and Devcich, who both played limited roles at the World T20.

"We have built a strong feeling amongst the group throughout this short campaign, but that will only be added to by the inclusion of Trent and Anton," coach James Pamment said.

"They are two outstanding people who bring so much to any team they are in."

If he plays, seamer Graeme Aldridge will become the most capped Northern Districts player in one-day cricket history, passing Robbie Hart's record of 122 games.

Northern are chasing their second trophy of the summer after beating Otago in the final of the Twenty20 HRV Cup and finished second on the Ford Trophy table.

Wellington, who are chasing their first trophy in 10 years, were fourth.

The two teams played each other twice in pool play, with one win apiece.

The final, which starts at 10.10am, is being played at Mt Maunganui because of work being done at Hamilton's Seddon Park ahead of next year's World Cup.