The Otago Volts team of New Zealand is capable of pulling off a surprise or two in the Champions League cricket tournament starting on October 8 says its chief coach Mike Hesson.
The team has in its ranks four members of the New Zealand squad now playing in the Champions Trophy, namely Brendon McCullum, Aaron Redmond, Neil Broom and Ian Butler. The Otago Volts will take on Cape Cobras in its first match in Hyderabad on October 10.
Speaking to the media after arrival here on Sunday, Hesson said that the team is a good blend of experience and class. “We are hoping for a decent start to get the momentum going. We have a world-class opener in Brendon at the top and we expect a significant contribution from him.
“We had good preparations while playing a few practice games in Brisbane. We hope the weather will clear up here for nets.”
Successful season
The 34-year-old captain Craig Cumming said that the team had a very successful season back home. “We are a reasonably good side capable of providing a few surprises. In this tournament most of the teams seem to be sailing in the same boat. Our asset is that we have very good all-rounders and big-hitters” he added.
Nathan McCullum, the 29-year-old, off-spinning all-rounder, believes that the event will provide him a huge opportunity to come out of the shadow of his more famous brother — Brendon. “But no doubt, he is a great influence on the entire team. We look to him to provide the flying starts he is capable of,” he said.
Start crucial
England international Dimitri Mascarenhas, who played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, feels the first two games against Cobras and Royal Challengers may well decide the shape of things to come.
“In this edition, unless you win the early games, you will be on your way back home. So, it is important to get the winning momentum very early,” he said.
“Personally, I look to this event as a fantastic opportunity to stake my claims to get a recall for the England side as the performances will be keenly watched by everyone. I should enjoy the conditions since I am familiar with them,” he said.
