State of Origin match planned for New Zealand Cricket

New Zealand Cricket is to stage a "State of Origin" match on Sunday, February 2 to determine national cricket supremacy between the North and South Islands.

The match will form part of a carnival of domestic cricket following the State Shield final and will be played at the same venue as the final.

The State of Origin will feature the best players from the State Shield competition, with selection determined by the Major Association for which a player first played either first-class or senior representative one-day cricket. In the case of players who first played for Central Districts, selection will be determined by the location of the district from which the player was first selected to play.

"The State of Origin adds another exciting dimension to our domestic cricket calendar and we anticipate a strong level of public interest in the match," New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said.

"In a season which features an early and short international schedule, the opportunity to provide the best domestic players with another playing outlet is attractive.

"We have also added another element to the match in taking the game into four innings, with each team playing two, non-consecutive, 25-over innings. This innovative change to the traditional format provides players with an opportunity to use different tactics and strategies.

"While the concept is about providing an entertaining day of cricket it is also likely to be a hotly contested game and we can expect some determined competition."

The two State of Origin teams will be chosen by New Zealand Cricket national selectors and will be named on January 26.

If the reserve day is required on Sunday, February 2, the State of Origin will be played on Monday, February 3. Both matches will be covered live on Sky Television and TV3.