Last summer, team namings basically consisted of looking around and seeing who was left standing.
But Walter has a fully fit squad and that meant a long selection meeting and some disappointed cricketers afterwards.
All-rounder Shawn Hicks, seamers Christi Viljoen, Jack Hunter and Warren Barnes and legspinner Michael Rippon have been overlooked for the season’s opening match against Canterbury in Christchurch next week.
But Walter could only whittle the candidates down so much and has named a squad of 13.
The batting line-up looks formidable with Hamish Rutherford, Brad Wilson, Rob Nicol, Neil Broom and Anaru Kitchen boasting almost 500 first-class games among them.
All-rounder Jimmy Neesham’s inclusion was never in doubt and wicketkeeper Derek de Boorder is poised to play his 90th first-class game for Otago and could finish the season on 99.
Black Caps seamer Neil Wagner would have been the first name scribbled down on the team list, while spinner Mark Craig’s selection would not have taken too much deep thought.
The head scratching would have been about what mix of seamers to go with and Michael Rae, Matt Bacon, Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy will compete for two starting spots.
Rae and Bacon played in the warm-up match against Canterbury in Alexandra earlier this month so may have first dibs.
Barnes bowled well in the warm-up match but has been left out of the squad. He has had significant injury problems in the past and is yet to make his first-class debut.
His exclusion might be down to the fact he still has to prove his durability.
Otago team
To play Canterbury
Hamish Rutherford, Brad Wilson, Rob Nicol (captain), Neil Broom, Anaru Kitchen, Jimmy Neesham, Derek de Boorder, Mark Craig, Neil Wagner, Jacob Duffy, Michael Rae, Nathan Smith, Matt Bacon.
