Photo Credit: Auckland Cricket
Head Coach Heinrich Malan has named a familiar Auckland ACES squad for this week’s Plunket Shield opener against the Otago Volts at Eden Park’s Outer Oval.
Robert O’Donnell will again lead the side with wicketkeeper Ben Horne stepping up as his deputy, while all-rounder Ollie Pringle joins the squad for the first time.
Pringle, 28, has been taking it all in since signing his first Domestic Contract.
“It’s cool to be selected early on in the season and be in the mix to potentially play some four-day cricket.
“Being able to train at Eden Park full time over the past six to eight weeks has allowed me to chip away at little things.”
O’Donnell said his side are raring to go and knows the Volts will be hungry for a first-up win.
“We are ready and fizzing to get out there. Otago always bring a determined side and we know they’ll be ready to fight.
“We get along with the Otago guys, but we know as soon as we get across the rope, we have got a point to prove after a couple of close games in recent times.”
The ACES skipper is pleased to be back in action after a long winter of uncertainty.
“We are at home. We are with our families. We are in a bit of a COVID-free country at the moment. We know we are lucky to do what we do and we will be looking to go out and enjoy being back out there.”
The ACES are boosted by the availability of BLACKCAPS Martin Guptill and Kyle Jamieson, while Lockie Ferguson remains with the Kolkata KnightRiders at the IPL.MATCH DETAILS: Auckland ACES vs. Otago VoltsTuesday 20th – 23rd OctoberEden Park Outer Oval10.30 am
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Auckland ACES | Plunket Shield vs. Otago Volts
Robert O’Donnell (c)Graeme BeghinMark ChapmanDanru FernsMartin GuptillBen HorneKyle JamiesonBen ListerGlenn PhillipsOllie PringleSean SoliaWill Somerville
