Cricket Wellington Media Release

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Wellington Firebirds squad for first two HRV Cup Twenty20 matches named

A 14-player Wellington Firebirds squad has been named for this weekend’s opening two home HRV Cup Twenty20 matches at the Basin Reserve against the Otago Volts and the Canterbury Wizards.

The squad is:

Jeetan Patel (captain)
Joe Austin-Smellie
Harry Boam
Dewayne Bowden
Marc Calkin
Mark Houghton
Ronald Karaitiana
Chris Nevin
Neal Parlane
Michael Pollard
Stewart Rhodes
Luke Woodcock
Damien Wright
Luke Wright

Jeetan Patel will captain the side, which features seven players who will make their Wellington Firebirds HRV Cup debuts if selected to play

These are Luke Wright, Damien Wright, Joe Austin-Smellie, Marc Calkin, Ronald Karaitiana, Michael Pollard and Stewart Rhodes.

England’s Luke Wright and Australia’s Damien Wright are the Firebirds’ two overseas players for these first two matches.

Wellington Firebirds Head Coach Anthony Stuart is pleased with the balance of the squad:

“All-rounders Calkin and Karaitiana are notable additions to the squad, having both previously played domestic 50-over cricket two seasons ago, Calkin for the Central Stags and Karaitiana for us.”

“They’ve both been in good form this season with both bat and ball at club level and in Firebirds trial matches and both have plenty of energy in the field. They give us extra hitting power and extra options with the ball.”

“Chris Nevin comes into the squad for the first time this season. “Nevin’s hugely experienced and adds a lot to the squad He scores quickly on both sides of the wicket and has a calm head under pressure.

“We look forward to Luke Wright joining us for the first time. Luke will provide a key allrounder’s role and we’ll be giving him as many chances as possible during these two games. He’ll bowl his allotted overs and he’ll bat high up the order.”

This weekend’s HRV Cup Twenty20 season openers are the first two of 10 rounds played on a home and away basis throughout December, leading to the final on 2 January.

What: HRV Cup twenty20 rounds one and two, Wellington Firebirds v Otago Volts and Canterbury Wizards

When: This Saturday (against the Volts) and Sunday (against the Wizards). Both matches start at 2.00pm.

Where: Basin Reserve.

ENDS

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