Northern Districts will pull on the whites and maroon caps for the first time in three months when the Plunket Shield returns this weekend.

The competition resumes with three rounds in the book and Northern Districts (ND) seeking their first win of the campaign.

Standing in their way are second-placed Central Stags.

A win against the defending champions would be a serious statement and, with plenty of rounds still to play, keep ND well and truly in the Plunket Shield mix.

ND will be able to call upon the services of several BLACKCAPS, with Scott Kuggeleijn, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi returning to the side after playing their part in the India tour.

An interesting squad also features two potential debutants, with Katene Clarke and Jake Gibson included after impressing in The Ford Trophy; the latter taking a five-wicket haul on his debut.

Joe Carter will also lead the side for the first time in the Plunket Shield, having taken the reins this season during The Ford Trophy.

Round four of the Plunket Shield begins Saturday, February 22, 10:30am at McLean Park, Napier.

NORTHERN DISTRICTS PLUNKET SHIELD SQUAD - ROUND FOUR VS CENTRAL STAGS

Joe Carter (c)

James Baker

Peter Bocock

Katene Clarke

Henry Cooper

Jake Gibson

Scott Kuggeleijn

Bharat Popli

Brett Randell

Mitchell Santner

Tim Seifert

Ish Sodhi