If there was anyone feeling frustrated by the absence of top players during the six weeks from October 1 it was Mark O'Donnell.

He's the new coach for Auckland this year.

His desire to get into the build-up for the new season was all the more understandable when considering that his side will be defending the State Championship this year.

So it's a full-on two weeks for him and his players as they attempt to make up for lost time.

That will start on Monday when a warm-up game with Northern Districts will be played at Eden Park's outer oval.

Unusually, given their latitude, but perhaps not quite so surprising given the summer experienced earlier this year, the Aucklanders have not had a lot of time on grass this year.

But with club play on Saturday, the club knockout series on Sunday and the ND game, there is at least the prospect of some good outdoor play.

Auckland will follow next week's match with a two-day game against Northland a week later. There is also the hope that some open wicket practices will be held at North Harbour Stadium, where the side is to play some of its matches later in the season.

One of the big hurdles facing Auckland is replacing Chris Drum, who had such an outstanding season last year, and who has been a key factor in the Auckland attack for several summers.

At full strength, as the side is likely to be for at least the first two rounds of the Championship, Auckland look awesome. The international top three of Mark Richardson, Matt Horne and Lou Vincent give the side a great start. With Tim McIntosh likely to follow and the talented Rob Nicol, two players who made such a big impression last year, and the all-rounders Kyle Mills, Craig Pryor, Andre Adams, Brooke Walker and Tama Canning, with Reece Young as wicket-keeper there is a strong look to the side.

Also in the frame are potential State Shield one-day players Llorne Howell and Mark Haslam, while Rob Lynch, Sam Whiteman and Richard Morgan will be looking for chances in either form of the game.

O'Donnell said his players were pleased to be back in action, and if they can gain the early momentum in the Championship, he will have cause for pleasure himself.

Auckland's first game is against Northern Districts in Gisborne.

© CricInfo