New Zealand Cricket's decision not to allow North Otago to field both of its South African players in the Hawke Cup elimination match against South Canterbury this weekend has weakened the home side.
Stephan Grobler, a batsman who bowls legspin, and Francois Mostert, a batsman-medium pace bowler, play their club cricket for Waitaki Boys' High School and Oamaru respectively. Grobler is in his second season as player-coach at Waitaki Boys'.
The North Otago selectors have decided, as only one overseas player is allowed, that Mostert will play.
In Grobler's absence, former Waitaki Boys' High School First XI player Matthew Day will make his debut.
Otago under-19 all-rounder Jeremy Smith will bat at No 4, while younger brother Nathan, an Otago under-17 representative, will bat further down the order.
South Canterbury, equal top in zone six of the Hawke Cup with Southland, with 12 points after an outright win over Otago Country, has two players on debut. Former Canterbury age group player Gerrit Roux and Englishman James Ellwood will make their first appearance against North Otago.
South Canterbury has to play Southland and Mid Canterbury to complete the round. Southland plays Mid Canterbury in Ashburton this weekend, and next month plays South Canterbury and Otago Country.
Play starts at 10.30am each day.
Hawke Cup: Oamaru, starts today
North Otago: Jeremiah Shields, Glynn Cameron, Ben Cant (captain), Jeremy Smith, Duncan Drew, Francois Mostert, Sean Conlan, Nathan Smith, Jordan Horrell, Matthew Day, Chris Ware.
South Canterbury: Richie Preston, James Laming (captain), Gerrit Roux, Jack Harper, Glen Drake, James Ellwood, Sam Carlaw, Adam Beck, Nathan McNicol, Craig Hinton, Zane Sanders.
- Terry O'Neill.
