Cricket: Full-strength Canterbury keen to knock Auckland out

By Terry Maddaford

Canterbury and New Zealand allrounder Nathan Astle is fit and raring to play against Auckland in the sudden-death Shell Cup cricket semifinal today.

Astle has been sidelined with a hand injury since retiring hurt (for one) in the second innings of the Black Caps second test win over India at the Basin Reserve late last month and it was feared he would miss the entire Cup season.

But yesterday he returned to the fray and showed his fitness with a knock of 40 for a Canterbury emerging Xl against New Zealand under-19 at Lincoln.

"Nathan is keen to play," said Canterbury coach Garry MacDonald yesterday. "But so are they all. We know there is no second chance."

Canterbury will have internationals Chris Harris, Chris Cairns, Geoff Allott and Craig McMillan in action in today's Jade Stadium day-nighter.

Scott Pawson and former Auckland representative Hamish Barton have been dropped from the Canterbury squad for the match.

Auckland coach David Trist took a typically philosophical view on the naming of the full-strength home side.

"It means they are worried," joked Trist on his arrival in Christchurch. "These are the two class teams in the competition now we have Bryan Young, Dion Nash and Adam Parore on duty. They probably have a few more guns than us and will come out firing. It means we will have to show some courage under fire.

"But if we can stay calm and focused I'm sure we can bring some credibility back to Auckland cricket. Whoever wins the Shell Cup has to beat Canterbury. If we can score 256-260 then I'm sure we will be in with that chance."

Wellington are hopeful Richard Petrie will be recovered sufficiently from his abductor muscle injury to play in the major semifinal against defending champions Northern Districts at WestpacTrust Park.

"We are on a good little roll," said Wellington coach Bob Carter. "We have been close for a few seasons and the boys are keen to go all the way this time."

Northern Knights captain Robbie Hart says it is payback time.

"Wellington are the only team to beat us twice this season," said Hart. "They beat us here [by 31 runs] last Saturday so we have the chance to rectify that. We only want to play two more games - and win them both - to retain the Cup.

"We have tried to improve on what we did last season and I feel we have done that."

Northern will name their playing Xl from a 14-man squad including current internationals Daniel Vettori and Simon Doull.

At Hamilton (11 am start).-

Northern: Michael Parlane, Hamish Marshall, Neal Parlane, Mark Bailey, Scott Styris, Matt Hart, Grant Bradburn, Robbie Hart (captain), Alex Tait, Daniel Vettori, Simon Doull, Joseph Yovich, Darryl Tuffey, Graeme Aldridge (three to be omitted).

Wellington: Chris Nevin, Matthew Bell, Tim Boyer, Roger Twose (captain), Phil Chandler, Richard Petrie, Grant Donaldson, Mark Jefferson, Gavin Larsen, Mayu Pasupati, Carl Bulfin, Heath Davis, Glen White (two to be omitted).

At Christchurch (2.30 pm start).-

Canterbury: Llorne Howell, Brad Doody, Craig McMillan, Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Gary Stead (captain), Chris Harris, Gareth Hopkins, Warren Wisneski, Chris Martin, Shane Bond, Stephen Cunis, Geoff Allott (two to be omitted).

Auckland: Bryan Young, Aaron Barnes, Lou Vincent, Ian Billcliff, Dion Nash, Blair Pocock (captain), Adam Parore, Craig Pryor, Kyle Mills, Brooke Walker, Mark Haslam, Chris Drum (one to be omitted).