Pace bowler James McMillan is being rested and Jacob Duffy will take his spot in the 12 for the Plunket Shield match against Auckland at Eden Park outer oval beginning tomorrow.
McMillan has been in fine form this summer and got through practice yesterday without any trouble.
But Otago coach Vaughn Johnson is acutely aware the 35-year-old, who has a long history of injury setbacks, needs to be carefully managed.
''It is purely about management of the player,'' Johnson said.
''He has had an outstanding season, but if we keep playing him in every four-day game his season will be over.
''I don't want to throw him in, in every game and break him.''
Duffy has played just the two first-class games this season and has struggled to make an impact on the tournament with three wickets at 52.33.
He improved in his most recent first-class outing, taking three for 50 against Central Districts. But earlier in the season he spearheaded the attack with Blair Soper and the pair were exposed.
Wellington rattled on 487 runs in 119 overs and Duffy finished the innings with nought for 77 and Soper nought for 82.
Otago had been missing experienced campaigners Neil Wagner, James McMillan and Ian Butler and its depth was sorely tested.
This time Duffy and Soper will be supporting Wagner, so the bowling attack has more starch.
Regardless, the decision to rest McMillan, and play both Soper and Duffy, must have weighed heavily on the selectors' minds.
Johnson, though, played down any doubts.
''Not at all,'' he responded when asked if he was concerned the attack lacked some experience.
''I think Jacob has his confidence back and is bowling well and deserves another opportunity. And to be honest with you, if you can tell me another option then I'd look at it. We ain't got any other options if we look after McMillan.''
Had McMillan played, it may have been Soper who missed out rather than Duffy.
In the last game, Soper had to be replaced at the crease after delivering two above-the-waist full tosses, which were deemed unfair under the playing conditions.
He was not allowed to bowl for the remainder of the innings, which could have had a big impact on the outcome of the game.
''Blair Soper had a disappointing game. He knows that and he possibly gets another opportunity.''
If Soper joins Duffy in the playing XI, the pair can expect little help from the pitch.
The last time a first-class game was played at Eden Park outer oval, just 17 wickets fell in four days.
It is a venue which can be brutal on the bowlers.
Otago
Team to play Auckland
Hamish Rutherford, Aaron Redmond, Michael Bracewell, Neil Broom, Sam Wells, Derek de Boorder (captain), Brad Rodden, Mark Craig, Neil Wagner, Jacob Duffy, Blair Soper, Nick Beard.
