Canterbury will need no special motivation for their State Shield opener against Central Districts in New Plymouth tomorrow.

The two teams are the finalists from last year's one-day competition and with Central Districts upsetting Canterbury there is every incentive to give the holders a reminder of who the real bosses are.

On the occasion, Canterbury has to be favoured. With its internationals back in for the match it has a formidable look to it.

Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Shane Bond and Chris Martin give the side a real edge, and CD without their mastermind captain from last year Jacob Oram will have a real battle to take this game out.

Canterbury will also be looking to get a good start to the competition as they follow up with a game on Thursday in Auckland, so maximum points would be a good start from which to launch the remainder of the campaign.

CD are not without hope however, as Mathew Sinclair especially is looking for runs in a big way and if he could get going on the Pukekura Park pitch there could be some scoring fireworks.

The teams are:

Central Districts: Glen Sulzberger (captain), David Kelly, Jamie How, Mathew Sinclair, Ben Smith, Richard King, Campbell Furlong, Bevan Griggs, Andrew Schwass, Michael Mason, Brent Hefford, Richard Scragg (12th man).

Canterbury: Gary Stead (captain), Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Chris Cairns, Paul Wiseman, Shane Bond, Chris Martin, Brad Doody, Michael Papps, Darron Reekers, Gareth Hopkins, Carl Anderson, Warren Wisneski.

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