Former TesltraClear Black Cap opening bowler Shayne O'Connor will make his long-awaited return to the State Otago Volts tomorrow when he plays against the State Canterbury Wizards at Carisbrook.

Injured during last summer's tour to Australia, O'Connor has battled hard through the winter to regain full fitness and he has been named in a team which features three changes from that which drew with Central Districts in Wanganui earlier in the week.

O'Connor will take the place of Kerry Walmsley, who picked up a groin strain along with seven wickets in Wanganui.

Also named for this first round State Championship match - Irish really with Otago and Central having already met in a second round encounter! - are left-arm seamer David Sewell and all-rounder Warren McSkimming, who replace Daryll Reddington and Anthony Wilkinson respectively.

Otago will host a Canterbury side chockful of international players, the red and black charge to be led by Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Shane Bond and the eagerly-anticipated reappearance of Chris Cairns.

The State Otago Volts for the State Championship match against Canterbury at Carisbrook are: Craig Cumming (captain), Mohammad Wasim, Chris Gaffaney, Marcel McKenzie, Robbie Lawson, Brendon McCullum, Jordan Sheed, Warren McSkimming, Nathan Morland, Shayne O'Connor, James McMillan, David Sewell.

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