Eight past or present New Zealand players were last night named in the 13-man Canterbury squad for the opening two rounds of the Shell Super Max series in Christchurch.
But all those players will be absent for much of the rest of the competition when the Conference Cricket four-day tournament starts next week, and the international series against India in December.
The selection headache is nothing new for Brian McKechnie, the convener of the Canterbury panel. ``It's just the price you pay for providing a number of players to the New Zealand team.''
All the New Zealand players will gather in Christchurch with the six major association teams for the double round of Super Max which will herald the new season.
But for Canterbury only Hamish Barton, Darron Reekers, Shane Bond, and Ben Yock will be available when the team is re-selected after this weekend. A new captain will also be needed with Llorne Howell also committed to the Conference series. Gary Stead was confirmed as skipper for the Shell Cup and Trophy series after Christmas.
McKechnie said more emphasis was being placed on the Max game, the two innings 10-overs-a-side quickfire version of the game, which is over in 31/2 hours.
``There's big prize-money at stake and the Max title is the only one Canterbury hasn't had in the trophy cabinet recently. We are selecting a side specifically for that.''
McKechnie said with the Black Caps playing it gave a host of bowling and batting options.
Canterbury's squad has one change from the team which was named last week for a practice match, subsequently washed out in Timaru. All-rounder Mark Hastings suffered a hamstring strain in club play last weekend and Mark Priest comes into the side. Hamish Barton was also injured after being hit on the toe, but is expected to be fit.
Canterbury faces Max champion Northern Districts on Friday night at Jade Stadium (Lancaster Park) before meeting Wellington at Hagley Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Squad:
Llorne Howell (captain), Stephen Fleming, Craig McMillan, Nathan Astle, Chris Harris, Chris Cairns, Geoff Allott, Mark Priest, Shane Bond, Hamish Barton, Ben Yock, Darron Reekers, Warren Wisneski.
Women's Club Cricket
Meanwhile, the absence of Katrina Withers has given Marist clubmate Jane Maley an opportunity in Canterbury colours for the new national women's league. Maley was one of four newcomers last night named in the Canterbury squad to prepare for the first segment of the season along with Jo Lawler, Missie Moffat, and Hannah Rae.
The Canterbury team has been picked for two warm-up games and the first two matches in the State Insurance league.
Squad:
Debbie Hockley (captain), Catherine Campbell (vice-captain), Lisa Astle, Susie Burrows, Paula Flannery, Sally Frahm, Jo Lawler, Jane Maley, Missie Moffat, Nicola Payne, Hannah Rae, Haidee Tiffin, Helen Watson.