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Restored to almost full power, the Canterbury Shell Cup cricket team's motor should perform smoothly enough in today's Shell Cup knockout semi-final at Jade Stadium to overcome Auckland, twice its conqueror in round-robin play.

The Canterbury machine has spluttered along this season in the absence of most of its Black Caps, but the return of Chris Cairns, Nathan Astle, Geoff Allott, plus Chris Harris, and Craig McMillan (only Stephen Fleming is unfit) should have the team firing on all cylinders.

The only chance of a malfunction comes with the freshness of Astle and Allott, who are returning from injury, while Cairns has had a 10-day break after the Indian series plus an injury scare mid-week.

Coach Garry MacDonald was relieved yesterday to report that not only did Astle come through a fitness test, but key all-rounder Cairns was recovering from a knee problem sustained at practice which threatened his availability.

``I'm feeling a lot better now,'' said MacDonald after watching Astle make 40 for a Canterbury XI against a New Zealand Youth team at BIL Oval and hearing from New Zealand team physiotherapist Mark Harrison that Cairns was OK.

``His knee locked up at practice and we weren't quite sure what the problem was. It was just a ligament getting inflamed, but anti-inflammatories have sorted that out.''

Astle struck on helmet

Astle had his broken hand tested batting in yesterday's match with the first ball he received coming through at throat height, while later he was hit on the helmet.

Canterbury is still taking a 13-man squad into the game, with decisions on the final pace bowling line-up to be made after a wicket inspection.

It is likely Canterbury will choose two from pace bowlers Allott, Chris Martin, Shane Bond, and Stephen Cunis.

``It depends a bit on conditions on the day and we will see what the wicket looks like. The weather hasn't been ideal with not much sun around, but it should still be a good track.''

MacDonald said the big-game experience of the Canterbury players would be invaluable in the sudden-death encounter. ``They know what it is all about, having been in this type of situation before.''

MacDonald is also wanting to see a supportive Canterbury crowd after disappointing attendances for most round-robin matches when the games clashed with New Zealand fixtures.

``The crowds have helped us a few times in the past and we would appreciate their backing again.''

Whether Canterbury wins or loses, it will be the last Shell Cup game at the ground this season with the winner of the match playing away in the final, having qualified for the semis in either third or fourth position.

MacDonald said the Canterbury line-up this time was substantially different to that which was twice beaten in round-robin play and he does not believe Auckland a psychological advantage.

However, Auckland is bolstered by the return of all-rounder Dion Nash while under new coach David Trist, a former Canterbury mentor, it has been a more organised and effective unit than the side which struggled to qualify for the play-offs in the past.

In the other semi-final, top qualifier Northern Districts is seeking to overcome a Wellington side in Hamilton which has also twice beaten it in preliminary play.