Priest needs one more wicket to become the most prolific wicket-taker in Shell Cup history: his chance will surely come against Otago in their first-round match at Jade Stadium (Lancaster Park).
While his personal goals are below his desire to perform well for his province, his Canterbury team-mates will be encouraging him to claim his 98th wicket, which will take him ahead of former Auckland all-rounder, Justin Vaughan.
``We'll be thrilled for him when he gets the wicket, but Priesty won't be motivated by that. He'll be chuffed to get it, but it won't mean too much to him -- he'll be bowling for the team,'' Canterbury coach, Garry MacDonald, said yesterday.
Priest is the lone spinner in the Canterbury team for the opening cup game of the new season.
The promise of a hard pitch has caused Canterbury to omit former Auckland spinner Hamish Barton and include medium-fast bowler Chris Martin, who played for the Canterbury second XI yesterday.
Canterbury, winner of the cup five times in the last seven competitions is most wary of its southern opponent which has former New Zealand wicket-keeper and coach, Warren Lees, back in command.
``I think their strength is their lack of weakness,'' MacDonald said. ``They're a strong side all round.
``Their batting is quite experienced. They've got good strokemakers in (Chris) Gaffaney and (Stephen) Mather plus good tradesmen in (Mark) Richardson and (Robbie) Lawson.
``Their bowling attack has Shayne O'Connor back and proven performers in Glenn Jonas and Aaron Gale.''
MacDonald said Canterbury, even with five players on test duty, had a good blend of experienced players and newcomers.
``We've picked a reasonably balanced side. There's been some unlucky boys, so the guys who are playing tomorrow have to put in a big performance for the ones who have missed out.
``I don't think we could have prepared any better and I'm happy with the way they are within themselves.''
Also today, Northern Districts plays Central Districts at Taupo, and Auckland plays Wellington at Eden Park.
Teams:
Canterbury: Gary Stead (captain), Craig Cumming, Llorne Howell, Brad Doody, Chris Harris, Tim Walton, Mark Hastings, Mark Priest, Gareth Hopkins, Warren Wisneski, Shane Bond, Chris Martin.
Otago: Robbie Lawson (captain), Chris Gaffaney, Mark Richardson, Stephen Mather, Michael Lamont, Andrew Hore, Martyn Croy, Aaron Gale, Nathan Morland, Glenn Jonas, Shayne O'Connor, Mark Billcliff.