Auckland has switched captains in the midstream of the Shell Trophy competition in an attempt to get the best out of the players.

Former CLEAR Black Caps captain Dion Nash will captain the State Auckland Aces for the remainder of the Trophy campaign, replacing Blair Pocock in the leader's role.

Aces coach Tony Sail said when announcing the news today: "We are very fortunate in having two players with such strong captaincy credentials in our side.

"We are taking the opportunity to utilise the obvious leadership skills that Dion offers. The team has responded well to his captaincy style when he has been in charge, and we feel that this change of approach may be what is necessary to draw out the obvious talent in this team."

Nash is confident about the prospects of the Aces as they approach the final five rounds of the Trophy competition.

While the side is languishing in fifth place with six points at the moment Nash has no doubts the team can push for end of season honours.

"I believe that winning the Shell Trophy is still an achievable aim for this team. Given the talent of the players we have, it is a matter of performing to our potential," he said.

Pocock remains in the Aces line up, and his experience in the batting order will be an essential ingredient in the Aces progress for the remainder of the Shell Trophy programme.

Sail said: "Blair is a proven performer, and showed his class with a great century against Northern Districts. He remains an important part of our team make up."

The Aces travel to Palmerston North for their Round Six match against Central Districts starting February 1, then continue south to Dunedin for Round Seven against Otago starting February 6.

They finish their programme with three home matches, against Central Districts, Wellington and Canterbury.

The State Auckland Aces squad for Round 6 of the Shell Trophy is:

Dion Nash (captain), Tim McIntosh, John Aiken, Richard King, Blair Pocock, Lou Vincent, Kyle Mills, Tama Canning, Andre Adams, Brooke Walker, Chris Drum, Mark Haslam.

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