Today marks the equivalent of Christmas for New Zealand cricket red-ball purists

The Plunket Shield first-class competition starts, meaning an inventory call for armchairs, rugs, picnics and thermoses among those heading to the three venues.

Wellington host Otago at the Basin Reserve, Central Districts face Auckland in Palmerston North and Canterbury meet Northern Districts in Rangiora.

Rhys Mariu takes over Canterbury's leadership after Henry Nicholls elevation to the Black Caps 50-over squad as an injury replacement for Daryl Mitchell.

Mariu describes how he found out.



Mariu's filled in as captain once before, when he made 240 in a 10-wicket win over Central Districts last November.