Northern Knights opener Brad Hodge in action. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Northern Districts have lost one Australian batsman and regained another for their crucial final T20 game against Canterbury in Christchurch today.
They were deprived of blockbusting opener David Warner for their HRV Cup game against leaders Auckland at Mt Maunganui on Monday.
His New South Wales state bosses ruled him
out because of a minor ankle injury and preventing him getting on the plane from Sydney. But ND have managed to get Victorian Brad Hodge back for a game they must win, and hope Auckland beat second-placed Central Districts in New Plymouth today.
Should that scenario unfold, it would give ND the chance of edging into second place, and making the final in Auckland this Sunday.
Hodge, recently recalled for the World Cup preliminary squad of 30 after being overlooked by the Australian selectors for three years, was good value for ND in the first four rounds.
He made 191 runs at a competition-high average of 95.5 before returning to his state duties.
Warner had only two innings and made 56 runs. They will also be hoping for a big contribution from their other overseas player, South African Herschelle Gibbs, who has made 96 runs from his four innings at 24.0.
Auckland will take the same squad to New Plymouth for a game which is irrelevant in one sense as they cannot be shifted from hosting the final. But they will want a win to keep their momentum going.
If Central Districts win it will confirm the defending champions for the final, and will give them a spot of timely encouragement before that showdown.
In the other final-round game, Otago play Wellington in Queenstown.
Points: Auckland 28, CD 22, ND 18, Canterbury 18, Wellington 14, Otago 8.
