Swashbuckling white ball cricket action returns to the Bay Oval in the New Year, and with it a Northern Knights side intent on a change in fortune after a trio of luckless outings.

On January 1 and January 4, the Knights will push their claim in the annual Ford Trophy in Mount Maunganui, looking to go one better and lift the domestic One Day International title this season.

A Wellington Firebirds batsman in full swing against the Northern Knights at Bay Oval during the 2013/2014 Ford Trophy season.

Last term the Knights fell to the Wellington Firebirds in the final at the Bay Oval – and New Year's Day presents a prime opportunity to exact some revenge on the Wellingtonians who are fresh from winning the Georgie Pie Super Smash T20.

Three days later the side takes on the Otago Volts, who have been a short-form frontrunner in recent seasons.

'We're looking forward to it,” says Northern Knights coach James Pamment.

'It's a big thing for New Zealand as we have got the World Cup coming up afterwards. One day matches are going to be the thing this year.”

In a dash of extra spice, the early rounds of the competition give fringe Blackcaps the chance to stake a claim for a spot in the 15-man World Cup squad for the tournament jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia in February.

While Bay of Plenty's Blackcaps Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Corey Anderson won't be available due to national duty, up to half of dozen BOP players could wear the Knights' uniform at the Bay Oval next month.

Northern Knights captain and Bay product Daniel Flynn is one that Pamment is tipping to have a strong season from the front, while Anton Devicich and new Knights recruit Dean Brownlie will both be keen on a World Cup place.

Pamment says it was disappointing to lose all three matches at the Bay venue last season, but he remains confident the side can make the most of the picturesque conditions in January.

'We are certainly not going into the competition intending to get second, third, fourth or fifth,” he adds.

'The intention is to play some good cricket enjoy ourselves and see where that takes us.

'Wellington and Otago are two of the better short form teams in New Zealand over the last couple of years.”

The Knights return to Bay Oval on January 21 for their final Ford Trophy round robin clash with the Auckland Aces.

The Ford Trophy is the New Zealand Cricket Limited Over (50 overs per team) prize that dates back to the 1971/72 season.