2018-19 Super Smash – Central Stags vs Otago Volts Preview & Prediction
AT A GLANCE
When? Thursday 10th January, 06:10 (UK)
Where? McLean Park, Napier
Weather? 26-28c with sunshine forecast and should be cooling down for the start of the match after a hot day
What channel is it on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream the match? This match cannot be streamed in the UK
Are tickets still available? https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=NZCSMASH19
THE TEAM NEWS
CENTRAL STAGS
Coach: Heinrich Malan
Captain: Tom Bruce
- After winning their opening match in the Super Smash, the Central Stags have endured a frustrating time having lost two matches and then seeing their match against Otago on Sunday being washed out in Dunedin without a ball being bowled.
- McLean Park will host its first Super Smash match since being renovated so a big crowd is expected and the Stags will be keen to put in a good performance and make some ground on the teams above them in the standings.
- Talented young all-rounder Christian Leopard comes into the squad for the first time this season while they can also count on international spinner Aljaz Patel which is a major boost so they have plenty of talent at their disposal along with regulars Tom Bruce, Ben Wheeler, George Worker and Will Young.
OTAGO VOLTS
Coach: Rob Walter
Captain: Jacob Duffy
- After winning their opening two matches of the Super Smash in some style, they Volts lost their next match and saw their match against the Stags on Sunday washed out so they too will be looking to be bounce back to winning ways.
- English duo Ben Cox and Ben Raine are named in the squad for this match and there is a chance that both will play with Raine set to make his debut and he will be looking to make an immediate impact.
- After two strong performances with the bat in their opening two matches, it was their batsmen that let them down against Northern Districts in their last completed game as they could only manage 99/7 so they will look to improve here.
THE PREDICTION
The Central Stags have made an extremely slow start to the Super Smash despite possessing plenty of quality in their ranks including several internationals. They will be boosted by the inclusion of New Zealand international spinner Aljaz Patel who should make an impact, and they will look to get back to winning ways. Otago Volts do not have the same star power in terms of names but have started better than the Stags. This may be a tough assignment however with the home side super motivated in the newly renovated McLean Park in Napier.
