Auckland look set to benefit from Brendon McCullum's decision to pursue his domestic cricket career with Otago.
The New Zealand wicketkeeper announced on Monday he is to return to his original province after spending the past four summers with Canterbury.
Despite international commitments severely limiting McCullum's availability forOtago, it appears that incumbent Otago gloveman Gareth Hopkins will be tempted to play elsewhere.
It seems Hopkins, officially regarded as this country's second best wicketkeeper after featuring in the 20 players to earn New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contracts, will throw his kit in with Auckland.
Such a move was signalled today by Otago cricket chief executive Ross Dykes, who suggested Hopkins' changed personal circumstances could prompt him to change his provincial allegiance.
"He's recently married and his wife lives and works in Auckland," Dykes told Radio Sport.
"He's had to commute down here for the last couple of years and now that he has a national contract it would perhaps be easier for him to play his cricket closer to home and closer to his wife."
NZC contracted players had until last Friday to decide which province they would play for next summer but Hopkins was granted a week's extension to decide about his future.
"We're hopeful he will sign for Otago for next season but it's not cast in stone," Dykes said.
"He's been a hugely valuable player to us for the last three-four years and we would hate to lose him.
"We see not lack of opportunity for him down here but we do have to be mindful of his personal circumstances."
Hopkins has effected 98 dismissals behind the stumps in 25 first-class matches for Otago since 2003, and Dykes said he would be guaranteed more work if he remained with the province.
He said the incoming international tours by England and Bangladesh next season meant McCullum might be available to play just four one-day and Twenty20 matches for Otago.
Even then, Hopkins would be the preferred wicketkeeper, a situation McCullum was happy about.
"He's more than happy to play as a batsman. I think he's very keen to open the batting in the short form of the game."
