New Otago cricket coach Glenn Turner has unveiled an exciting line-up for the opening rounds of the State Championship.

Features of the State Otago Volts for the matches against Northern Districts and Canterbury are the naming of former New Zealand skipper Lee Germon as captain, the return of former provincial captain Robert Lawson, a re-appearance by Evan Marshall, and the inclusion of Australian Rob Smith.

Germon played for the Volts in one-day matches only last year but has excelled in club play this summer, Lawson returns after missing last season because of injury, Marshall 'retired' five years but is reported to be keen and raring to go, and Smith is an interesting prospect.

He is a right-arm leg-spin bowler and useful lower-order batsman.

As well as Germon and Lawson coach Turner has been able to again call on the experience of Chris Gaffaney, David Sewell, Kerry Walmsley and Martyn Croy. Backing that quartet will be Andrew Hore, Craig Cumming and Craig Pryor who all made solid progress on the first-class scene last year, while Brendon McCullum and Bradley Scott have the opportunity to cement their places.

The State Otago Volts squad (to play Northern Districts at Carisbrook from 26-29 November and Canterbury in Christchurch from 2-5 December) is:

Lee Germon (captain), Martyn Croy, Craig Cumming, Chris Gaffaney, Andrew Hore, Robert Lawson, Brendon McCullum, Evan Marshall, Nathan Morland, Craig Pryor, Bradley Scott, David Sewell, Rob Smith, Kerry Walmsley.

Not considered because of injury were opening bowlers Shane O'Connor, Warren McSkimming and James McMillan.

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