The Volts have named an experienced and multi-talented squad of 13 for the first four rounds of the domestic tournament.
Otago opens its HRV Cup campaign in Wellington on Saturday and will have plenty of bowling options to fall back on if things do not start so well.
English all-rounders Darren Stevens and Chris Nash are expected to make an impact on the tournament with both the ball and the bat and, with the likes of batsmen Craig Cumming, Neil Broom and Aaron Redmond also capable of getting through some overs, Otago has options aplenty.
South African-born left-armer Neil Wagner has been in sublime form and will spearhead an attack which includes speedster James McMillan and experienced campaigners Warren McSkimming and Ian Butler.
All-rounder Sam Wells and spinner Nick Beard will also be eager for time at the bowling crease and add depth to what looks a long batting order.
"We're lucky enough that a number of our top six bowl, so we've got enough guys who can chip in," Otago coach Mike Hesson said.
"In twenty/20 cricket, it is about having a number of different bowling options and we are also happy that our No 7, 8, 9 and 10 are pretty good with the bat as well. I'm really pleased with the balance of the squad."
Both Nash and Stevens made a useful start to the summer with strong contributions during a twenty/20 trial match at the University Oval No 2 ground yesterday.
Stevens scored 31 from 21 deliveries and took one for 13 for the Redmond XI, and Nash took one for 26 and scored 41 from 30 deliveries for the Cumming XI.
"I was really pleased with the way they played," Hesson commented.
"Once they got used to the conditions they were able to express themselves a bit more, which was nice. With the ball they showed they were good enough to play a role.
"They certainly add strength to our squad and experience to the middle order, which is so important in twenty/20. They're both multi-talented cricketers as well and add a heck of a lot and bring experience to the dressing room."
Bowling strength aside, it is batsmen who win twenty/20 games and Hesson acknowledged the selectors had given some consideration to playing an extra batsman at the expense of a specialist wicketkeeper.
The likes of Shaun Haig or Michael Bracewell can be dynamic with the blade and are useful with the gloves. However, Hesson said leading wicketkeeper Derek de Boorder had been in good form with the bat.
"I think if Derek hadn't been in such good form with the bat he would have come under pressure. But I've been delighted with the way Derek has played this year and he also plays quick bowling very well, which is really important in that role lower down the order."
Otago's first home match is against Northern Districts at Centennial Park in Oamaru on December 8.
HRV CUP
Otago squad
• Aaron Redmond, Hamish Rutherford, Neil Broom, Craig Cumming (captain), Darren Stevens, Chris Nash, Ian Butler, Neil Wagner, Warren McSkimming, Derek de Boorder, James McMillan, Nick Beard, Sam Wells.
