Plunket Shield four-day cricket gets underway this week with some big names in New Zealand cricket taking part in preparation for the upcoming tests against England.
Northern Districts are away to Canterbury at Hagley Oval and can call up former internationals Neil Wagner, Jeet Ravel as well as Scott Kuggeleijn.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Former Auckland player Robbie O'Donnell is set to make his debut for the side.
Canterbury have a fairly decent side to call on as well with New Zealand player Cole McConchie, Chad Bowes, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Rippon in the squad and available.
Meanwhile in a rarity Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra have all been named to play Round 1 of the Plunket Shield for the defending champion Wellington Firebirds.
The strong Wellington side host Auckland at the Basin Reserve.
The Auckland team will be missing Ben Lister and also Matt Gibson with injury, however there's still a reasonable amount of depth in the team.
Finn Allen will be at the top of the order, while young bowler Adithya Ashok and Sean Solia will have work to do for the side in their respective roles.
Central Districts face Otago at McLean Park in their match.
The home side have the experienced heads of Tom Bruce, Blair Tickner and Dane Cleaver up against their rivals such as Leo Carter, Luke Georgeson and Dal Phillips.