Rutherford captained Otago in the Plunket Shield and one-day competitions last season. But he was relieved of the captaincy this season with Brad Wilson taking over the role in first-class cricket.
But with Wilson’s position in the twenty20 side far from certain, Volts coach Rob Walter has named Rutherford as his twenty20 captain.
Walter said Rutherford’s tactical appreciation and approach fits with his own views on the format. And with twenty20 moving so quickly, it was "nice to know the captain is on the same sort of wavelength".
There was no temptation to stick with Wilson.
"The middle order is the most fluid part of our team with James Neesham coming and going with Black Caps duties. And if Mark Craig becomes available, that does influence what that middle order looks like again. So I just think stability from a captaincy point of view is quite important."
Rutherford will also open the batting alongside Anaru Kitchen. Both batsmen are aggressive at the crease so the Volts will be hoping for some rapid starts.
Scott’s inclusion will not come as a surprise in some respects. He took 10 wickets in the twenty20 competition last season and is a very clever and reliable cricketer. The 37-year-old clearly still has a lot to offer but with youngsters Michael Rae, Jack Hunter and Nathan Smith all pressing for opportunities, it would not have been a shock if the veteran was overlooked.
"I think [his inclusion] is pretty self explanatory. The guy brings a huge amount of experience, he brings a great T20 skill set, and more and more we are seeing that 37, particularly in the T20 format, does not preclude guys from being selected."
Scott will join an impressive attack featuring Black Caps left-armer Neil Wagner, Jacob Duffy and Warren Barnes, who impressed last season with his ability to strike at the top of an innings.
Otago’s televised game against Auckland at Eden Park Outer Oval is a repeat of the final last season, so it will be an interesting reference point. In other games, Central Districts are hosting Canterbury at Pukekura Park and Northern Districts are at home to Wellington.
Twenty20
The team
Otago: Hamish Rutherford (captain), Anaru Kitchen, Neil Broom, Brad Wilson, Michael Bracewell, Josh Finnie, Derek de Boorder, Neil Wagner, Warren Barnes, Jacob Duffy, Bradley Scott, Christi Viljoen.
Auckland (from): Robbie O’Donnell, Brad Cachopa, Donovan Grobbelaar, Michael Guptill-Bunce, Tarun Nethula, Rob Nicol, Jeet Raval, Shawn Hicks, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Dane Hutchinson, Cody Andrews, Sean Solia.
