Go Volts!

It was only with the arrival of Internet at home, and Cricinfo with it, in 1998 that I could actually start following the New Zealand Domestic scene. For many years then, Otago was the black sheep of the NZ flock, if you'll forgive that predictable analogy. The fact that it is the Volts who now get to represent NZ at the Champions League makes for a nice little cricketing success story.

Like Tasmania, Durham or the Railways (the Ranji Trophy side), Otago have had to battle for recognition over the years. There was a phase when their key players tended to move to more glamourous sides in a bit to advance their careers: I can recall openers Matt Horne and Mark Richardson shifting back up North to Auckland, and Brendon McCullum and spinner Paul Wiseman deciding to join a stronger Cantebury side a few years ago. Otago's predicament was often reflected in the makeup of the national side, dominated as it was by Cantebury and Auckland, and for a couple of seasons none of their players made it to the list of central contracts.

But all that has changed in recent times. While their first class performances haven't been all that good, Otago are now arguably the best one-day and T20 side in the country. They've put together a good blend of youth and experience, and winning back (Brendon) McCullum from Cantebury and a revitalised Ian Butler from Northern Districts has made a huge difference. The Volts boast a pretty handy side that includes allrounder Nathan McCullum, England import Dimitri Mascharenhas, as well as Aaron Redmond and Neil Broom who are quite effective in T20. Craig Cumming, who will (thankfully) relieve McCullum junior from captaincy duties is the other player with international experience.

The two unknowns I've been told to watch out for are: 22-year old South African left armer Neil Wagner, an accurate seamer who is supposedly a shoo-in for the national side once his qualifying period ends in two years; and Hamish Rutherford, son of former NZ captain Ken, who's a big hitting left hander.

I never imagined another team would compete with the Bangalore Royal Challengers for my affections, but here you have it. To make things that much more interesting, the Volts and Challengers have been drawn in the same group. 25:1 outsiders they may be, but I'll be keenly watching and hoping they spring a surprise or two.