CDCA has named a strong Central Districts A squad to play Auckland A in a three-day match beginning in Auckland today.

With Nelson embarking on a Hawke Cup challenge against Southland in Invercargill on Friday, Greg Hay will focus on preparing for the challenge match while fellow Central Stags opening batsman Ben Smith once again captains a CD A side that features 11 current or former Central Stags — CD Under 19 rep Akash Gill the only player in the mix who is yet to feature at the top domestic representative level.

Wairarapa’s Neil Perry has been named to coach the Central Districts A team for the three-day match at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Auckland’s east.

With the resumption of the Plunket Shield just 10 days away, CDCA High Performance Manager Lance Hamilton said both fixtures present a timely opportunity for a number of players to assert their red-ball form.

Following the conclusion of the Burger King Super Smash, the Central Stags first-class squad will be heading to Rangiora to play Canterbury in round five of the Plunket Shield — which was reduced from 10 to eight rounds for the 2018/19 season.

Defending champions the Central Stags will step out on day one in Rangiora next Thursday, 21 February, with an 11-point lead over Northern Districts at the halfway mark of the 2018/19 first-class championship.

Both this week’s CD A and Hawke Cup fixtures will be live-scored at www.nzc.nz

AUCKLAND A v CENTRAL DISTRICTS A Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, Auckland

11am, 12-14 February 2019

Ben Smith (Captain) — Wanganui

Bayley Wiggins — Hawke’s Bay

Brad Schmulian — Hawke’s Bay

Kieran Noema Barnett — Hawke’s Bay

Christian Leopard — Hawke’s Bay

Ma’ara Ave (wk) — Marlborough

Akash Gill — Wanganui

Bevan Small — Manawatū

Ryan McCone — Horowhenua-Kāpiti

Felix Murray — Nelson

Navin Patel — Manawatū

Liam Dudding — Hawke’s Bay

Article added: Tuesday 12 February 2019