Cricket: Warmth and an inside loo spark optimism

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell is hoping the switch from a tent and a portaloo at Dunedin's University Oval to better facilities at Eden Park's outer oval will bring a change in fortunes for his team before the State Championship final.

Beaten outright by Otago in the only first round play-off game to go the distance, Auckland join Wellington in equal second place on 15 points - seven behind Canterbury - for the second round today.

Auckland meet bottom-placed Northern Districts, Canterbury play Otago at Molyneux Park in Alexandra and Central Districts are at home to Wellington at McLean Park, Napier.

"We have to hope things will be better," said O'Donnell. "It was very cold, and having to change in a tent was hardly what we expected.

"We thought we had it won with a 50-run lead but, to their credit, Otago didn't give up.

"They called for the heavy roller late on the third day and again on the morning of the last day.

"That obviously helped them, but we didn't bowl well enough.

"Dodgy wickets bring teams closer together, but I'm not blaming the wicket for this loss.

"Rather, we should be looking at the weather. Four of our six games have been heavily affected by rain which, in a competition of only eight games, can have a big influence.

"Hopefully we can now get four days of good controlled cricket.

"We haven't played as consistently as we would have liked but we are still in with a chance."

Those chances might be further boosted if test opener Lou Vincent is cleared to play today.

Vincent, who dislocated a finger and did other damage last month, has been in the nets this week and is hoping to rejoin Auckland today.

O'Donnell said the conditions would play a part in the selection of the playing XI.

Young pace bowler Sam Whiteman made his first-class debut in Dunedin but might struggle to hold his place today.

Marlborough medium-fast bowler Brendan Diamanti is set to make his debut for Central Districts.

Diamanti has replaced injured Greg Todd in the CD squad for what promises to be a close contest between Wellington and fourth-placed Central.

Auckland team

To be selected from: Mark Richardson, Lou Vincent, Tim McIntosh, Matt Horne, Rob Nicol, Aaron Barnes, Sam Whiteman, Tama Canning, Andre Adams, Reece Young, Brooke Walker, Kerry Walmsley, Heath Davis.