State Auckland Aces coach and convener of selectors, Tony Sail has today named a strong team to play current State Max and State Championship title holders, the State Wellington Firebirds in a three-day warm up game starting on Monday at the Devonport Domain.

Changes to the team that played the New Zealand Academy team in Christchurch last week include the selection of Rob Nicol and Richard Morgan for Aaron Barnes and Mark Haslam, who are both unavailable because of work commitments. Reece Young replaces Stephen Pearson as wicket-keeper having fulfilled his duties with the New Zealand Academy.

Eighteen-year-old Nicol, New Zealand Cricket's Young Player to Lord's for 2001, will make his debut for the State Auckland Aces.

"Rob Nicol has been putting in some top performances for Cornwall in the early rounds of the Crown Relocations Cup.

"This gives him an opportunity to further his claims for selection in the State Aces, and the New Zealand Under-19 team to be named at the end of November.

"Rob further strengthens the middle order and gives us another slow bowling option in the game," Sail said.

The State Auckland Aces team is:

Tim McIntosh, Matt Horne, Llorne Howell, Richard Pudney, Rob Nicol, Tama Canning, Kyle Mills, Brooke Walker (captain), Reece Young, Andre Adams, Richard Morgan, Chris Drum.

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