Heath Davis, the former New Zealand fast bowler who last appeared in first-class cricket in the summer of 1998/99, will return to the Auckland side for their season opener against Northern Districts starting in Gisborne on Friday.

Davis, one of the fastest bowlers in the modern era, has been something of an enigma during his career but gets his chance with injury suffered by Gareth Shaw.

Davis, took 200 first-class wickets, mainly for Wellington, at an average of 31.12. Recent form for Cornwall in the Auckland club competition has been behind his recall.

Another change was forced on Auckland with the withdrawal of Andre Adams after he was suspended following an incident in club cricket last weekend. His place is taken by left-armer Richard Morgan.

The Auckland team is: Brooke Walker (captain), Tama Canning, Heath Davis, Matt Horne, Rob Nicol, Tim McIntosh, Kyle Mills, Richard Morgan, Craig Pryor, Mark Richardson, Lou Vincent, Reece Young.

© CricInfo