Central name side for inaugural Champions Cup

Central Districts Stags announced their squad of 12 for the inaugural Champions Cup today.

CD coach Dipak Patel told Cricinfo,"Jacob Oram, if selected, and Mathew Sinclair will join us in Perth after the last Test."

Regarding fringe selections, he said, "Gareth West has put his hand up and forced his way in. Jamie How probably wasn't considered before coming down here but has proved he can foot it at that level with two good scores. I'm happy that he's played himself into the party."

It was a case of "go west young man" as Ewen Thompson (5-29) and Gareth West (2-33) impressed today at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, along with batsmen Jamie How (64) and David Kelly (54). Strangely, West was playing against his own team, replacing James Franklin in the New Zealand Selection XI, as Franklin had gone back to Wellington to prepare for tomorrow's tourist game.

The squad is:

Jacob Oram (captain, will travel to Perth after the Third Test, if selected), Mathew Sinclair (will travel to Perth after the Test), Craig Spearman, Mark Douglas, Ben Smith, Glen Sulzberger, David Kelly, Jamie How, Bevan Griggs (wicket-keeper), Andrew Schwass, Ewen Thompson, Brent Hefford, Gareth West (will travel if Oram is in the Test match squad).

The four nations one-day domestic champions tournament begins on 29th March. CD will travel to Perth, Western Australia next Tuesday.

The other teams involved in the competition, which lasts until April 4th. The New Zealand Shell Cup winners meet Roofit Cricket Mumbai of India, Western Warriors, Australian champions, and Kwa Zulu Natal Dolphins from South Africa.