Cricket: Smith back in Otago squad

Otago left-arm seamer Craig Smith has recovered from injury and replaces all-rounder Sam Wells in the squad for the four-day match against Central Districts in Napier tomorrow.

Smith had been bowling well in club and districts cricket but suffered a hamstring injury shortly before Otago got its campaign under way.

But he proved his fitness with a strong performance for Otago A with a haul of five wickets.

"He certainly deserves his spot back," Otago coach Mike Hesson said.

"He was one of our very good performers last year."

Smith is the only change from the side which drew with Canterbury in Invercargill last week.

Leading medium pacer Warren McSkimming will have to spent another match on the sideline.

He strained a calf muscle in a pre-season match against Canterbury and has missed Otago's first two matches.

Hesson said McSkimming had shaken off his calf injury but had not had an opportunity to prove his match fitness.

"We've taken a cautious approach with Warren," he said.

"We're happy that he will be able to play club cricket this weekend, and if he can do that then he will be able to prove his fitness [for the next match]."

Central Districts has started the competition with two wins from two matches and lead the tournament with 16 points.

Ewen Thompson is the competition's leading wicket-taker with 12 scalps at an average of 15.41.

Thompson is the highest ranked player under the new most valuable player system.

He leads with 80.27 points from Wellington all-rounder James Franklin on 75.00 points.

Auckland's Colin de Grandhomme is in third with 66.86 points.

Opening bowler Neil Wagner is Otago's highest placed player and is in fourth place on 60.79 points.

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