Otago have been forced to shuffle the pack ahead of their Ford Trophy match against Wellington at the Basin Reserve today.
Spearhead Danru Ferns has been ruled out with a finger injury and all-rounder Jake Gibson has succumbed to a calf complaint.
That means the Volts will hand out potential list-A debuts to left-armer Thomas O’Connor and leg-spinner Zac Cumming.
They have both notched two first-class games for the province but have not worn the Volts’ one-day strip yet.
Both their fathers forged impressive careers for Otago and went on to play for New Zealand.
Thomas’ father, Shayne O’Connor, claimed 53 wickets in 19 tests and played 38 ODIs as well.
Zac’s father, Craig Cumming, is the leading scorer for Otago in first-class cricket and played 11 tests and 13 ODIs for the Black Caps.
Zac’s brother, Jacob Cumming, is an Otago contracted player and Thomas’ sister, Hannah O’Connor, has represented New Zealand at under-19 level.
They are talented families, and Otago will need some of that X-factor.
They have started the campaign with three consecutive losses.
Wellington, however, has two wins from three games.
The Firebirds edged Northern Districts by three wickets in Hamilton in their last outing.
The Volts slipped to a seven-run defeat to Central Districts at home.
In the other games, Northern Districts will host Canterbury at Seddon Park and competition frontrunner Auckland will play Central Districts at Eden Park Outer Oval.
Ford Trophy
Basin Reserve, 10.30am
Otago: Jack Boyle, Jamal Todd, Thorn Parkes, Max Chu, Llew Johnson, Troy Johnson, Luke Georgeson (captain), Ben Lockrose, Thomas O’Connor, Matt Bacon, Jarrod McKay, Zac Cumming.
