Auckland captain Gareth Hopkins. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Auckland have included seven past or present internationals in their 15-man squad for the Champions League in India next month.
The squad, captained by wicketkeeper-batsman Gareth Hopkins, includes fast-medium bowlers Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey and Andre Adams, and batsmen Martin Guptill and Lou Vincent.
Victorian batsman Rob Quiney
and Hampshire opener Jimmy Adams, both of whom appeared for Auckland in last season's HRV Cup, are included, although Adams' availability is likely to depend on whether Hampshire progress to qualify as one of England's two representatives.
"We're going to a bit of a pressure-cooker environment and having guys who've played matches on the big stage is invaluable," Auckland coach Paul Strang said.
Auckland depart on September 2 for a week in Queensland before flying to Hyderabad for a 10-day buildup ahead of the qualifying tournament which involves six teams. The two pool winners plus the better of the second-placed sides advance to the main draw of 10 teams. Auckland face Kolkata Knight Riders in their opener on September 19.
