Cricket: Otago youngster completes one more milestone

Jordan Sheed capped a big week yesterday when he was named in the Otago team for today's match against Canterbury at Jade Stadium.

Three days earlier, Sheed was the only Otago player included in the New Zealand side for the World Youth Cup, which starts on Sunday.

The 19-year-old was confirmed in the Otago State Shield side last night after Lee Germon failed a fitness test for his strained upper thigh muscle.

Brendon McCullum is now in Australia with the tri-series team and all-rounder Warren McSkimming is out with a back injury, different to the one he had at the start of the season.

"It's all happened pretty quickly," Sheed said.

"I'd only been home in Geraldine from the under-19 tournament a couple of days when I got the call that I might be needed."

Sheed, an aggressive top-order batsman, had four years in the first XI at Otago Boys High School, the last two as captain.

He has just completed his first year at Otago University, where he is studying PE and marketing.

His parents, Garry and Judith, will travel from their South Canterbury home to watch their son's first-class debut.

Coach Glenn Turner said: "Jordan's a naturally aggressive player who worked hard during the winter on tightening his technique."

Martyn Croy, who was unable to keep wickets in Alexandra on Saturday after he was struck on the upper forearm while batting, will play.

Otago team physio Ash Stiven rates Germon about 80 per cent fit.

Turner said: "He's improving all the time and we're hopeful he'll be available for the game against Central Districts in Nelson on Wednesday."

Canterbury will choose from a squad of 13. Pace bowlers Ryan Burson and Stephen Cunis, and batsman Jarrod Englefield, come in for Chris Harris, Chris Cairns, Craig McMillan and Shane Bond.

"We're fortunate to have a squad of 13," chairman of selectors Craig Thiele said.

"It gives us extra options, particularly on tour."

Canterbury have made an excellent beginning, beating Central and Auckland away.

"It's a handy start, but it's a long season," Thiele said.

"We all remember what happened last year when Canterbury were beaten by Central Districts in the best-of-three finals series.

"We know Otago will be motivated after a slow start."

Thiele said the injured Nathan Astle was expected to start practising again within a week.

"We're keen for him to be part of the team network. He offers tremendous experience."

Otago (from): Craig Cumming (capt), Andrew Hore, Chris Gaffaney, Rob Lawson, Jordan Sheed, Martyn Croy, Craig Pryor, Nathan McCullum, Kerry Walmsley, David Sewell, James McMillan, Rob Smith.

Canterbury (from): Gary Stead (capt), Jarrod Englefield, Brad Doody, Michael Papps, Gareth Hopkins, Warren Wisneski, Paul Wiseman, Chris Martin, Darren Reekers, Carl Anderson, Shannon Stewart, Stephen Cunis, Ryan Burson.

- NZPA