Nick Horsley and Rob Nicol will make their first-class debuts for the Auckland Aces when the team opens its State Championship campaign against the Central Districts Stags at Eden Park's Outer Oval on Monday.

Twenty-year-old Horsley has spent the winter at the New Zealand Cricket Academy in Christchurch. He was the top scorer (67) in their 10-wicket loss to the State Auckland Aces in their three-day game in Christchurch earlier this month.

Eighteen-year-old Nicol, from the Cornwall Club, has been in good form in the Crown Relocations Cup scoring 188 runs at an average of 47 and taking 12 wickets at an average of 14.25. He is the leader in the Crown Relocations Premier Grade Cricketer of the Year Award.

Unavailable for selection due to injury was Richard Pudney who suffered a broken thumb at training on Wednesday night. Pudney will be out of action for six weeks.

The State Auckland Aces team to play the State Central Stags is: Brooke Walker (captain), Andre Adams, Aaron Barnes, Tama Canning, Chris Drum, Mark Haslam, Matt Horne, Nick Horsley, Tim McIntosh, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Reece Young.

© CricInfo