Auckland Aces Recall Martin and Singh for Sudden Death Ford Trophy Semi

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Bruce Martin and Bhupinder Singh come into the Auckland Aces line-up for their sudden death semifinal against the Otago Volts tomorrow to replace Andre Adams, Ronnie Hira and Colin de Grandhomme.

Hira and de Grandhomme are off to join the Blackcaps in their preparation for the Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe, whilst Adams has got a contract in the Bangladesh Twenty20 competition which starts this week.

It's a tough break for the Aces and for Adams who was looking forward to trying to make it two in a row for Auckland in the Ford Trophy.

"I'm disappointed about the timing as I really wanted to help the Aces make and hopefully win the final, but that's the nature of professional cricket these days. I've really enjoyed the season and want to wish the boys all the best for the semi we've definitely got the depth and the talent to make it."

The absence of Adams, Hira and de Grandhomme leaves some fairly large holes in the regular Aces line-up but coach Paul Strang is confident that the side is capable of adapting.

"There's no point in getting upset about it so you just get on with it. Throughout the season we train with a wider squad of players and all the guys coming in now have got plenty of experience, we just have to make sure we perform out there as a team."

The twelve to take on the Otago Volts tomorrow is as follows:

Gareth Hopkins (c) (Parnell)
Dean Bartlett (Ellerslie)
Brad Cachopa (Takapuna)
Dusan Hakaraia (Waitakere City)
Anaru Kitchen (Waitakere City)
Mitchell McClenaghan (Howick Pakuranga)
Bruce Martin (Parnell)
Chris Martin (Parnell)
Colin Munro (Howick Pakuranga)
Neal Parlane (East Coast Bays)
Jeet Raval (Suburbs New Lynn)
Bhupinder Singh (Papatoetoe)

Contacts: Paul Strang 021 840 877