Wellington, Feb 23 NZPA - National one-day cricket champions Northern Districts have named a strong squad as they look to maintain their Plunket Shield competition lead against Canterbury in Rangiora starting on Thursday.

From their extended squad named last week, Brad Wilson, Brooke Hatwell, Jono Boult, Trent Boult, Te Ahu Davis and Anton Devcich were omitted.

Northern lead second-placed Canterbury by six points on the competition ladder heading into the four-day match.

Northern Districts: James Marshall (captain), Graeme Aldridge, Brent Arnel, Daniel Flynn, Hamish Marshall, Bruce Martin, Michael Parlane, Peter McGlashan, Bradley Scott, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Joseph Yovich.