Some little-known names at top level, including Lancaster Park-Woolston's Andrew Richardson and Kelvin Scott, have been unearthed in Canterbury's bid to produce a competitive, specialist Max side.
Canterbury coach Garry MacDonald said that of the two teams picked one, the Possibles, was a more obvious combination for the abbreviated game. The other was a potentially dangerous side.
``We're giving a few guys the chance to show what they can do at this level.''
Apart from the Lancaster Park-Woolston pair, Gary Stead's Probables XI also includes Ryan de Joux, a big-hitting all-rounder from South Canterbury, and Mid-Canterbury's Matthew Fine, who has similar skills.
MacDonald said Richardson could be a blazing batsman, a blockhole medium-pace bowler, and one of the best fielders in the province.
He said Canterbury would be approaching the Max series differently this year and placing greater emphasis on it. Last season Canterbury finished fifth of six teams, only avoiding being last by beating Otago in the final game of the double round-robin series.
This season the series is of only one round during November and December and will be completed before Christmas. It is separate from the Shell Cup and Trophy.
``It should be easier to have a specialist Max side and get geared up for it than it was last season,'' MacDonald said.
The match will mark the debut of new wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins who is among those seeking the gloves for the Canterbury Shell series side this year.
Re-appearing at top level as captain of the Possibles XI is Llorne Howell, returning to the game after a shoulder operation.
Squads:
Possibles XI: Llorne Howell (captain), Shane Bond, Ben Yock (HSOB); Craig Cumming, Stephen Cunis (St Albans); Aftab Habib (Riccarton); Darron Reekers (Marist); Hamish Barton (Sydenham); Cleighton Cornelius, Carlos McGillivray (Lancaster Park-Woolston); Carl Anderson (East-Shirley).
Probables XI: Gary Stead (captain), Glenn Foulkes (Riccarton); Ryan de Joux (South Canterbury); Matthew Fine (Mid-Canterbury); Andrew Richardson, Kelvin Scott (Lancaster Park-Woolston); Campbell Ogilvie, Mark Hastings, Gerald Barrett (Burnside West-University); Gareth Hopkins (Marist); Michael Owens (East-Shirley).
Practice 5.30 tonight, Hagley Oval.