Colin Munro to lead Mondiale Auckland Aces

Colin Munro to lead Mondiale Auckland Aces into Plunket Shield Round 3

Red ball action returns to Eden Park Outer Oval tomorrow as the third round of the Plunket Shield brought to you by Budget Rental gets underway with the Mondiale Aces taking on the Northern Knights.

The sides met in the last round of the Plunket Shield in an eventful game at Bay Oval where wickets fell regularly. With the season now more advanced both sides are expecting a tough battle at Eden Park Outer Oval following Auckland's victory which helped them to the top of the table.

The team features several changes from the previous round including in leadership with Colin Munro stepping in to replace the injured Rob Nicol. It will be Munro's first Plunket Shield match as captain. Usual deputy Michael Bates is also on the injured list, as are Tarun Nethula and Matt Quinn. The changes mean a combination of Howick Pakuranga's Shawn Hicks, Parnell's Mark Chapman and Eden Roskill's Brett Randell are in line to make their first-class debuts for Auckland. After not playing during the Georgie Pie Super Smash Michael Guptill-Bunce also returns to the side.

Coach Mark O'Donnell believes his side will still be highly competitve despite the changes.

"We obviously had some success across the weekend and that has given the team a really good buzz. But we know that the Plunket Shield requires a different mindset and the boys have been really good since returning from New Plymouth in getting their feet back on the ground and focusing on Northern Districts. Playing good Plunket Shield cricket has been a real goal for us this season. We have started with two wins and are eager for that to continue."

A team will be named from the following 12 players:
Colin Munro © (Howick Pakuranga)
Brad Cachopa (Takapuna)
Mark Chapman (Parnell)
Colin de Grandhomme (Howick Pakuranga)
Lockie Ferguson (Parnell)
Donovan Grobbelaar (Howick Pakuranga)
Michael Guptill-Bunce (Cornwall)
Shawn Hicks (Howick Pakuranga)
Mitchell McClenaghan (Howick Pakuranga)
Robbie O’Donnell (Takapuna)
Brett Randell (Eden Roskill)
Jeet Raval (Suburbs New Lynn)

Click here for audio with Michael Guptill-Bunce on preparing for the match.

Entry to all Plunket Shield matches is free and if you are attending at Eden Park Outer Oval entry is through Gate J on the southern side of the ground. The match starts at 10-30am.

ENDS

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