A new era begins for the CENTRAL STAGS this Monday as the Plunket Shield takes centre stage in Napier.

It's the first first-class fixture without GREG HAY at the helm since the legendary skipper's retirement in April, but the man replacing him already has plenty of hands-on experience in the role.

TOM BRUCE has captained the Stags in all three formats, having worn the armband for four Plunket Shield matches two seasons ago, after Hay broke his forearm in the preseason.

Bruce now takes over as the full-time Plunket Shield captain, with 85 first-class matches behind him and almost 6,000 first-class career runs in the bank.

The 33-year-old's first opponent will be the Otago Volts whom the Stags brushed aside with an innings victory at the same ground, Napier's McLean Park, in Hay's swansong match last season.

"Haysie leaves tough boots to fill," Bruce notes as he plots to kick-start the fresh campaign with a similar outcome.

"He has left us an indelible legacy, not only as a captain, but as a person and as a player.

The armband passes from Greg Hay to Tom Bruce | MBUTCHER

"It's something I'm really looking forward to, stepping into the leadership role, but having captained both New Zealand A and the Stags previously in four-day cricket, that will stand me in good stead.

"It's not going to be new, so not a lot changes for me which is cool."

Captaincy does bring extra responsibilities and time commitments, on and off the field.

"Yeah, you're the person talking with the coaches, the team's leadership team, and all the players as well," says Bruce.

"But we all have a strong bond in the Stags and I enjoy the communication side of it, getting everyone on the same page and united in our plans, and helping each player to be clear in understanding their roles and what the expectations are around that."

The four-day game itself is the most straightforward form of the game, he believes, when it comes to on-field captaining and strategy.

"I think it's a simple game actually, but you just have to execute those plans well, for long periods of time.

"That is what makes it hard - the physical stamina and mental concentration required while you're battling it out over four days.

"It's a real test, but that is precisely why we love playing it."

 

 

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The Stags are coming off five rounds of the one-day Ford Trophy that produced one big victory, one washout, and three losses - including a last-ball heartbreaker against defending champion Canterbury last week.

Despite languishing at fifth on the ladder, all three of the team's top order batters figure in the top four runscorers nationally, while strike bowler BLAIR TICKNER is its leading wicket-taker.

"We played some really good cricket at times, and we played some cricket that was probably beneath our standards at times," Bruce reflects.

"We got into position to win all four of the games that weren't washed out, but we weren't able to win the key moments.

"The four-dayers are now an opportunity for the guys to step up and really put that right, to take ownership and be the person that nails it down."

Hay's retirement of course means the loss of a top-order batter with 106 matches of first-class cricket under his belt.

He was one the most experienced openers and players on the national circuit and in the team's history, as well as the team's most capped captain.

So on the bright side, solid Ford Trophy form from the top order trio of JACK BOYLE, CURTIS HEAPHY and BRAD SCHMULIAN - with all three men scoring centuries over the last couple of weeks - augurs well for a fresh-look Stags red-ball order.

"All three of those guys performed at different times, and hopefully they take that form and confidence from the one-dayers into the four-dayers," says Bruce.

"Haysie was our most consistent player so again, they are pretty big boots to fill.

"I am sure our batters will be excited by every opportunity they have to show what they can do, to do a good job, play to their own strengths and abilities, and help us win games.

"I have full confidence in them, but the bottom line is that all of us - the top order, the guys in the middle order and lower order as well, have to step up when we get our opportunity."

 

The first Central Stags Plunket Shield squad of the season will be named on Sunday, ahead of Monday's 10.30am start at McLean Park.

Bruce will toss the coin at 10am, with free admission for the public for all four days.

 

Livescoring and a free livestream will be available here at www.cdcricket.co.nz and follow Central Stags instagram for the latest insights from the ground.

Round two of the Plunket Shield will see the Stags in action at their Nelson home ground, Saxton Oval, the following week.

 

Article added: Friday 8 November 2024