Cricket: Last chance for Otago players to impress

Greg Todd
Greg Todd
Otago is out of contention in the State Championship but there is still plenty to play for in its last round-robin match against Canterbury beginning at Carisbrook on Sunday.

With the Black Caps side to tour England named next week, it is a final opportunity for players to press for selection.

New Zealand Cricket is expected to name an extended squad to cover for the likes of Daniel Vettori, Jacob Oram and Brendon McCullum, who will be playing in the Indian Premier League.

That could provide opportunities for the likes of Otago seamer Bradley Scott and top-order batsman Greg Todd.

Both were included in a speculative team proposed by the Sky broadcasting team with includes former internationals Martin Crowe, Ian Smith, Mark Richardson and Simon Doull.

Scott has been the pick of the Otago bowlers taking 28 wickets at an average of 19.28, including a best of six for 20.

The New Zealand A left armer was picked in the Black Caps side which contested the twenty/20 World Cup in South Africa last year but has since missed selection.

Todd has had a solid season at No 3 for Otago. The gritty left hander has scored 563 runs at an average of 46.91, including two 100s and two 50s.

The 25-year-old, though, did not rate his chances of making the Black Caps just yet.

"It is just a commentator's team, mate,'' Todd said.

"I haven't even made an A side yet, so that's the next goal".

Todd has been one of Otago's more consistent batsmen over the past couple of summers and was unlucky not to be included in the New Zealand A side last season.

A dogged player, Todd rarely sells his wicket cheaply and works hard at his trade. Two seasons ago he broke his right leg and snapped his ankle in a sickening accident while bowling for Otago during a one-day match against Canterbury.

He had barely finished his follow-through when he thrust out his foot to field the ball and fell awkwardly, twisting his foot 180deg.

Despite talk surrounding his prospects, Todd insists he will not approach the match against Canterbury any differently.

"I'll just do the same thing I do every time I go out to bat. And once you're out there, you don't really think about that sort of stuff.''

He has not heard from any of the selectors and said he would be surprised if he was picked.

A good knock by Otago captain Craig Cumming could see the opener join the touring party.

Cumming was selected for the series against Bangladesh but was axed in favour of Jamie How for the tests against England.

Bell had a poor series and Cumming must come back into the frame, but Bell's 69 in his last innings may have saved his bacon.

For Canterbury, Michael Papps and Peter Fulton will be trying to press their claims. Both are averaging better than 50 in the State Championship.

Otago has added Sam Wells to the 12 which drew with Northern Districts in Hamilton earlier this week and Canterbury has replaced Ryan Burson with Corey Anderson.

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