Cricket: Rutherford raring to get out in middle

Otago opener Hamish Rutherford prepares to play a drive during a net session at the University Oval yesterday. PHOTO: GERARD O'BRIEN
Otago opener Hamish Rutherford prepares to play a drive during a net session at the University Oval yesterday. PHOTO: GERARD O'BRIEN
Black Caps test back-up opener Hamish Rutherford is looking forward to having a bash out in the middle.

The talented left-hander toured Australia with the Black Caps last month but was not required for any of the three tests.

He did plenty of batting in the nets but there is nothing like the promise of a game to generate a bit of extra enthusiasm.

The 26-year-old has been named in the Otago side for the match against Auckland at the University Oval this afternoon.

''Obviously, it is really exciting to get back out there and get amongst some cricket and back involved with the Volts,'' Rutherford said.

He is philosophical about his long stint on the sideline and does not feel his form has suffered.

''You pick a squad of 15 and, unfortunately, four guys have to miss out. That is just the way international cricket is.

''You have to make sure you make the most of the opportunities you get and, once home, adjust quickly and get back into the swing of things.''

The swing of things being the appropriate phase.

Rutherford has gone from preparing as if he was going to play in a test against Australia, to practising his go-to scoring shots in anticipation of a tough match against Auckland.

''Twenty20 is still a game of cricket and the basics you use in the long form still apply, so it should not be too tough to adjust to that.

''Obviously, the competition is pretty tight at the moment so, hopefully, I can help us get into the finals.''

Top-order batsman Brad Wilson is the unlucky player who has had to make way for Rutherford's return.

The Volts have been going well in the absence of Rutherford. They lead the twenty20 competition standings with 20 points from eight games.

''It has been a tough decision,'' Volts coach Nathan King said.

''Brad has played a couple of good knocks ... but unfortunately he is the one who has missed out.''

King said the selection panel considered playing an extra batsman but felt it needed another bowling option instead.

Rutherford's return also means King has a dilemma to solve at the top of the order.

Anaru Kitchen and Neil Broom have formed a useful opening combination but Rutherford is likely to slot back in at the top.

Kitchen shapes as the player to drop down the order as Broom is Otago's leading scorer with 234 runs at an average of 58.50.

Auckland has made one change to its squad - former Otago bowler James Fuller joins the 12.

Fuller was part of Otago's wonderful run in 2012-13 when the team won 10 consecutive twenty20 games to claim the national title.

He took 13 wickets at 22.07, so his skills are well-known in the Volts camp.

Auckland is in third place with 18 points but has a game in hand. Should Otago win today, it will secure a place in the playoffs with one round-robin match remaining.

A win for Auckland will enable it to go top of the table, so there is plenty at stake.

Auckland beat Otago by one run at Eden Park Outer Oval last month.

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