Cricket: Stick to the basics Greatbatch tells CD

Central Districts coach Mark Greatbatch does not want his players to change their approach for today's one-day match against Canterbury at Trafalgar Park, Nelson.

Led by in-form batsman Craig Spearman, Central Districts have performed well in the four-day games this season.

They competed with India over three days and then hit form in their last four-day game against Auckland, and Greatbatch wants more of the same today.

"The basic techniques are the same for both games. There's too much of a tendency to abandon technique for one-dayers," he said.

"You also need partnerships in any form of the game. Even if they are 20 or 30 runs, you need to continue your momentum.

"I don't really want them to change too much. We need to lift the intensity, but we have to stick with the basics."

Spearman, in particular, won't need to change a thing. In his past three knocks, the explosive opener scored 58 against India and 31 and 117 not out against Auckland.

"I don't think Craig Spearman is finished yet,"Greatbatch said.

"He can still play a good, aggressive innings, but it would be nice to see the other batsmen take the pressure off him so he can lessen the risks."

Although Central's bowling lineup will be weakened by the absence of Jacob Oram, Greatbatch said they still had plenty of firepower.

Canterbury also have a useful attack, headed by former internationals Chris Martin and Paul Wiseman, and veteran one-day exponent Chris Harris.

Harris is coming back from injury and will be out to show the national selectors he deserves a place in the World Cup squad.

The game starts at noon.

Central Districts: Craig Spearman (capt), Jesse Ryder, Peter Ingram, Glen Sulzberger, Ian Sandbrook, Greg Loveridge, Campbell Furlong, Bevan Griggs, Andrew Schwass, Michael Mason, Lance Hamilton, Brent Hefford.

Canterbury: Gary Stead (capt), Michael Papps, Paul Wiseman, Shanan Stewart, Chris Harris, Peter Fulton, Jarrod Englefield, Cleighten Cornelius, Carl Anderson, Stephen Cunis, Chris Martin, Ryan Burson. * Jeff Wilson and Kerry Walmsley both bowled without any ill-effects in the nets yesterday as Otago prepared for their opening match against Wellington in Alexandra.

Allrounder Wilson had been in doubt with a side strain and Walmsley with a groin strain, but both are likely to be available to play.

Defending champions Wellington will start as favourites, but Otago coach Glenn Turner was not interested in comparing the merits of the teams.

"We're just interested in playing our own game and doing our own thing. If that's good enough, we'll win."

Craig Cumming captained Otago twice in one-dayers last summer, for a win and a loss, but this is the first season he has started at the helm.

Otago: Craig Cumming (capt), Mohammad Wasim, Andrew Hore, Rob Lawson, Marcel McKenzie, Peter McGlashan, Warren McSkimming, Jeff Wilson, Nathan Morland, Shayne O'Connor, Kerry Walmsley, James McMillan.

Wellington: Matthew Bell (capt), Richard Jones, Neal Parlane, Matthew Walker, Chris Nevin, James Franklin, Mark Jefferson, Grant Donaldson, Andrew Penn, Mayu Pasupati, Mark Gillespie, Ashley Turner.

- NZPA