Despite being out of the calculations for the finals in the State Shield one-day competition, State Auckland Aces coach and convener of selectors, Tony Sail, says his team are looking forward to taking on current State Shield leaders, the State Wellington Firebirds at Eden Park Outer Oval tomorrow.

"The State Wellington Firebirds have set the standard in the competition and are always a tough proposition wherever we play them. We had a close and competitive match with them earlier in the competition so this is a great opportunity for the Aces to get a win against the competition leaders," Sail said.

In two changes to the team which played the State Northern Knights at Hamilton on Tuesday, Aaron Barnes replaces Richard Pudney after missing the last match through illness. Chris Drum has not recovered from an ankle injury sustained against the State Northern Knights and has been replaced by Sam Whiteman. Whiteman returns to the team after a two month lay off with a back injury.

The State Auckland Aces team to play the State Wellington Firebirds is:

Brooke Walker (captain)
Aaron Barnes
Tama Canning
Mark Haslam
Matt Horne
Nick Horsley
Llorne Howell
Tim McIntosh
Richard Morgan
Gareth Shaw
Sam Whiteman
Reece Young

© Auckland Cricket Association