Despite suffering outright losses in its first two games, Otago coach Mike Hesson feels his side is making progress and wants to continue that upward swing against Central Districts starting today in Napier.
Otago lost inside three days to Northern Districts in its first Plunket Shield match and then lost to Canterbury at Rangiora last week, falling short by 115 runs on the last day in pursuit of an imposing 471 target.
Hesson said the Volts could take a lot of positives out of the match against Canterbury as they were competitive for all but the first hour.
Otago has struggled with injury problems and will go into the match without three key players - Nathan McCullum (groin), Aaron Redmond (abdomen) and Neil Wagner (back) - and Hesson admitted that left the side short of experience.
With Redmond and McCullum out, Mark Craig unwell and Will Somerville gone to live in Sydney, spinner and batsman Mark Joyce comes into the side for his first-class debut, though depending on the state of the wicket he may carry the drinks.
Craig Cumming returns to captain the side, while Ian Butler will play his first game for Otago this season.
The match is being played at Nelson Park, as McLean Park is being prepared for the test next month.
Otago has a good record in Napier, where it compiled its highest first-class score, 624, against Central Districts in December 2006, with Shaun Haig made his maiden 100.
Hesson said there were always plenty of runs in Napier pitches and he expected the track to be friendly to the batsmen.
Central Districts lost within three days to Northern Districts in its last game and will be looking to put on a better performance.
It has depth in its batting with former internationals Jamie How and Mathew Sinclair sure to examine the Otago bowling attack.
Showers are forecast for today but it is expected to be fine for the rest of the week.
Otago v CD
Starting today, Napier
Otago: Craig Cumming (captain), Nick Beard, Derek de Boorder, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Shaun Haig, Mathew Harvie, Mark Joyce, Warren McSkimming, Leighton Morgan, Greg Todd, Sam Wells.
Central Districts: Jamie How (captain), Peter Ingram, Brad Patton, Mathew Sinclair, Tim Weston, George Worker, Bevan Griggs, Ewen Thompson, Seth Rance, Michael Mason, Jeremy Kuru.
