Cricket: Marshall in charge

Northland cricketer James Marshall will take the reins as captain from fellow Northlander Brad Wilson as they prepare for today's Ford Trophy match.

The Northern Knights have the luxury of three Black Caps, one being Tim Southee, returning to the squad for the opening two rounds of the competition.

The Ford Trophy has been given its own window this season and begins for the Knights today in Nelson against the Central Stags and on Thursday in Hamilton against the Auckland Aces. Trent Boult, Kane Williamson and Southee all return from international duty to rejoin their domestic team as they vie for the one day trophy.

Cam Fletcher remains with the team after making his first class debut last week. Corey Anderson and Ish Sodhi were unavailable for selection after being called up for the New Zealand XI versus England warm-up match in Queenstown.

Knights: James Marshall (c), Graeme Aldridge, Brent Arnel, Jono Boult, Trent Boult, Anton Devcich, Cameron Fletcher, Daniel Flynn, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Southee, Anurag Verma, Kane Williamson, Brad Wilson.