Kiwi Domestic Watch

[Andy Mellon]

Originally Posted by sittingduck

Radio Sport is linking Hopkins with a move to Auckland now.

I think the volts have shot themselves in the foot with this. They've signed the countries best keeper for sure, but he'll only be around for a third of their games if that. and in turn they lose the second best keeper (according to the NZ selectors).

If that's true, then its a very silly move by the Volts. There is actually some test cricket this summer, so McCullum is going to available even less than normal. Who will keep for them then? Maybe they could haul Chris Nevin away from Wellington, but if they end up with Reece Young... well... I doubt they'll be too happy with that.

[Wanderer]

New Zealand's 6 Major associations have announced their contracted players.

BLACKCAPS, the official website

Two right real South African names in the Canterbury Wizards side ...Of course Dave Nosworthy had a bit to do with that...

So, how will these teams compare strengthwise this season?

[Andy Mellon]

A few interesting names around in there - and a number of youngsters coming through.

No contract at Canterbury for teenage prodigy Corey Anderson, but Nosworthy's picked up Johann Myburgh on the international transfer market. Peter Ingram secures a contract at Central, along with the one-legged Tim Lythe (he lost one leg to bone cancer). Jesse Ryder has not followed through on his threats to leave Wellington and has signed for another season and with the wicket keeping merry-go-round, its a bit surprising that Reece Young has held onto a contract at Auckland, despite Hopkins moving there.

As for which side is the strongest, there's little in it. Otago and Canterbury look to have a decent combination of youth and experience, and Wellington will probably be relying on Bell, Nevin and the Parlanes to steer a youthful squad through the season. Auckland and Northerns look weak in the 4 day game to me, but then Northerns surprised me last year in the 4 dayers. Central will be there or there abouts, but apparently they have massive injury concerns over their whole seam attack.