Otago has made just one change to its line-up for its opening twenty/20 match against Northern Districts in Hamilton tomorrow night.
The team which defeated Canterbury by eight wickets in a Plunket Shield fixture in Rangiora this week, with the exception of James McMillan, will switch the whites for the coloured strip.
McMillan sustained ligament damage in his ankle while bowling during Canterbury's second innings and is likely to be sidelined for at least two or three weeks. He has been replaced by all-rounder Iain Robertson.
Robertson shapes as the potential 12th man, with Jacob Duffy likely to partner Neil Wagner with the new ball.
Duffy made a stunning debut in the corresponding fixture last season. He took three for 19 and impressed enough to earn a provincial contract this summer.
Spinner Nick Beard was not considered for selection. Beard injured his shoulder in a warm-up match against Canterbury.
He has recovered from that injury but has been ill with a virus.
Mark Craig will shoulder the slow bowling responsibilities in Beard's absence. Craig produced a gutsy performance against Canterbury. He bowled 45 overs in the second innings and took five for 120.
Aaron Redmond starred with back-to-back centuries and will be looking to continue his bright start to the summer.
Northern Districts have named two overseas players in their line-up.
Steven Croft (Lancashire) and James Foster (Essex) will make their debuts for the province and former Black Cap Scott Styris will captain the side again.
Otago v Northern
Hamilton, tomorrow, 7.30pm
• Otago: Hamish Rutherford, Aaron Redmond, Michael Bracewell, Neil Broom, Derek de Boorder, Sam Wells, Jimmy Neesham, Mark Craig, Neil Wagner, Ian Butler, Jacob Duffy, Iain Robertson.
• Northern Districts: Scott Styris (captain), Graeme Aldridge, Corey Anderson, Brent Arnel, Steven Croft, Anton Devcich, Daniel Flynn, James Foster, James Marshall, Daryl Mitchell, Bradley Scott, Brad Wilson.
