Auckland Aces ready to rain sixes at the Basin Reserve

Thursday 17 January 2019

The Auckland Aces are eager to get the second half of their Super Smash off with a bang as they take on the Wellington Firebirds at the Basin Reserve tomorrow.

With Sunday’s match against the Otago Volts abandoned due to rain when the Aces were 117/1, the feeling in the team is positive that they are coming right as the tournament heats up.

The Aces will be at full strength against the Firebirds, with Lockie Ferguson returning to the team to join BLACKCAPS teammates Martin Guptill and Colin Munro.

“You can’t discount the Guptill, Munro, and now Ferguson factor,” says Aces coach Mark O’Donnell.

“The team was obviously frustrated that a great start was washed out on Sunday, but they’ve turned that into a focus on taking it to the Basin on Friday.”

The first round between the Aces and the Firebirds on Christmas Eve was also washed out.

The Aces are two points behind Wellington on the Super Smash table and O’Donnell believes this is the perfect time for the Aces to make the most of their resources.

“We’re getting closer to crunch time, and starting to hit our straps.”

He believes there are a few players ready to unleash tomorrow.

“Our batsmen are preparing well; and Guppy and Glenn [Phillips] showed what good touch they’re in against Otago.

“And it's great to have Lockie on-board for a one-off game in the middle of a busy international schedule.”

The Auckland Aces will face the Wellington Firebirds in the Burger King Super Smash at the Basin Reserve Friday 18 January from 4:00pm.

Auckland Aces squad to play the Wellington Firebirds

Craig Cachopa (C)

Mark Chapman

Lockie Ferguson

Donovan Grobbelaar

Martin Guptill

Roneel Hira

Mitchell McClenaghan

Colin Munro

Robert O’Donnell

Glenn Phillips (WK)

Matthew Quinn

Will Somerville

ends

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