The third round of Plunket Shield cricket has seen plenty of players in and out of sides on test duty or returning from the Black Caps short-form tour.
Northern Districts have made three changes this week as the Otago Volts visit Seddon Park starting tomorrow, Thursday 28th November.
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Sandeep Patel, Matt Fisher and Scott Johnston come in for the experienced trio of Kane Williamson, Tim Southee (both on Black Caps duty) and Scott Kuggeleijn (franchise opportunity).
Patel and Fisher both featured in the opening round win at Hagley Oval against Canterbury, whilst Johnston makes his first appearance in a red ball squad this season having featured in the opening rounds of the Ford Trophy.
ND will be looking to build on a bright start that has seen them win both of their opening round matches against Canterbury and the Auckland Aces, sitting at the top of the table with 37 points.
Skipper Jeet Raval has led from the front with 280 runs at an average of 93, while Neil Wagner will again be a key bowler.
Otago have just one change to their side with Dean Foxcroft coming in to join the likes of Leo Carter and captain Luke Georgeorson.
Meanwhile Tim Robinson is back in the Firebirds squad after returning from Sri Lanka with the Black Caps as the only change to the Wellington side to face the Central Stags in Napier.
After a rain-affected draw in Otago, the Firebirds are seeking their first win of the red ball campaign against their geographical neighbours.
Captain Nick Kelly hit his best form in Dunedin, achieving the rare feat of back-to-back centuries in the last fixture, becoming only the seventh Wellington player to achieve the feat in a single first-class match, the first since Michael Bracewell did in in 2020/2021.
CD have Josh Clarkson back in the team along with the regulars such as Ajaz Patel, Blair Tickner, Tom Bruce and Brett Randell.
Auckland will host Canterbury at Eden Park Outer Oval in a clash which has a few key battles.
Mark Chapman returns to the home side from Sri Lanka. Bevon Jacobs who was signed to the Mumbai Indians in IPL will suit up for Auckland who will be captained by Sean Solia.
The Canterbury side have plenty of players in and out.
Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Henry Nicholls and Ish Sodhi rejoin the playing group after returning from Black Caps duties, while Will O'Rourke is away with the national side.
Rhys Mariu retains the captaincy following last weeks game while regular captain Cole McConchie remains on family leave following the recent arrival of twins to the family.