Two newcomers, Brendon Donkers and Andrew Ellis have been named in the 14 from whom the Canterbury squad will be named for the first two State Championship matches.

Donkers is a medium-pace bowler, who has represented New Zealand at indoor cricket as recently as this year's World Cup in Wellington while Ellis is a fast-medium bowler.

Missing from the team from last year is promising batsman Shanan Stewart.

Canterbury's opening match is against Otago at Carisbrook on November 29-December 2 and the second match is against Northern Districts from December 5-8 at Rangiora.

Rain may have obliterated any chance Canterbury's selectors, Craig Thiele (convener), Graeme Kench and Michael Sharpe had of assessing their top players, but they are confident they have selected the strongest squad available.

The final twelve will be named on Tuesday at 5pm.

The Canterbury Wizards Squad is:

Gary Stead (captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Chris Cairns, Wade Cornelius, Brendon Donkers, Andrew Ellis, Chris Harris, Gareth Hopkins, Chris Martin, Craig McMillan, Michael Papps, Paul Wiseman, Warren Wisneski.

© CricInfo