CLT20 team profile: Otago Volts

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Cricket365
September 17, 2013

While the Volts did not compete last year, they are not strangers to the competition and will remember fondly their 2009 campaign, which at least gave the Cape Cobras and Royal Challengers Bangalore a run for their money.

Captain: Derek de Boorder Coach: Vaughn Johnson 2012 CLT20: Did not play C365 Rating: 5/10 Betting Odds: <a href='http://www.paddypower.com/bet/cricket/champions-league-20' target='_blank' class='instorylink'>22-1</a>

Strengths While the Volts did not compete last year, they are not strangers to the competition and will remember fondly their 2009 campaign, which at least gave the Cape Cobras and Royal Challengers Bangalore a run for their money.

The promise of hefty pay cheques for success on the field will certainly incentivise relatively low-key names like Jimmy Neesham, etc. "Somebody can become a millionaire overnight, that's the reality of it," acknowledged coach Vaughn Johnson.

A quick trip to Sri Lanka for a handful of warm-up matches, en route to India, aided preparation – with spinners Nick Beard and Nathan McCullum, in particular, getting to grips with the foreign conditions.

Weaknesses All-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate's participation remained in the balance at the time of writing, with Otago yet to find out if the dutch international was going to be released by Essex in time for the competition.

While there is ultimately no taking away from Otago's title, one has to question the competitive nature (or lack thereof) of the HRV Cup. Triumphing over small state teams is certainly not the challenge posed by Hyderabad, etc.

The Volts have not qualified for the tournament proper yet, and will have to win at least two of three trying trials against Faisalabad, Hyderabad and Kandurata to graduate to the real deal.

Star Player A Twenty20 journeyman to the fullest extent of the term, Brendon McCullum has thrilled crowds across the globe – and now has the opportunity to rekindle his roots with his home franchise.

Bench Warmer Mark Craig made something of a name for himself when the McCullum brothers were away on national duty. With Nathan back, the inexperienced slow bowler will need to find his way back down the pecking order.

They Said "It's a particularly tough qualifying tournament, but in Twenty20 anything can happen on the day and we're confident we've got a reasonable chance of getting through." – coach Vaughan Johnson.

Squad Nick Beard, Michael Bracewell, Neil Broom, Iain Butler, Mark Craig, Derek de Boorder, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, James McMillan, Jimmy Neesham, Aaron Redmond, Hamish Rutherford, Ryan ten Doeschate, Neil Wagner.

Fixtures Tuesday, 17 September: v Faisalabad Wolves, Chandigarh Wednesday, 18 September: v Kandurata Maroons, Chandigarh Friday, 20 September: v Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chandigarh