By CHRIS RATTUE
Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell is expecting his star all-rounder Andre Adams to get a Black Caps call-up today.
Adams, who is recovering from a back injury, was superb with the ball during Auckland's defeat of Northern Districts at Eden Park on Saturday.
O'Donnell believes national selector Brian McKechnie will
be on hand at Alexandra today when Auckland take on Otago in the second-round State Shield one-dayer.
He said Adams needed to work hard on improving his shot selection, but his bowling - especially in the final overs - and fielding already made him an important part of the New Zealand one-day side's mix.
"He's been out for a long time and he needed to have some game time, but I'm sure he'll go back in for the last five [international] one-dayers," O'Donnell said.
"I think the selectors will have another look at Scott Styris as well. They've just been trying a few players at the moment. This is a big game for Andre against Otago "
Auckland were disappointed with their top-order batsmen against Northern Districts, and O'Donnell wants them to get back to the basics of the one-day game.
"That puts the pressure on Richardson, Horne, Howell, Nicol and Canning," O'Donnell said.
Superb weather is predicted in Alexandra for today's match.
Northern take on Canterbury - beaten by Central Districts at Nelson - in Taupo.
Northern coach Bruce Blair was delighted with the performance of Styris against Auckland, saying he bowled "beautifully."
"He bowled very straight with nice changes of pace. Batting at four, we're giving him all the chance he needs [to impress the selectors]," Blair said.
Both sides have kept the same squads of 12 from the first round. Canterbury coach Michael Sharpe was predicting a free-scoring match, saying scores around the 250 mark were the norm at Owen Delany Park.
Wellington take on Central Districts at the Basin Reserve in the other second- round match.
