Blackcaps squad announced

New Zealand Cricket today announced the BLACKCAPS squads for The National Bank Twenty20 and the first three matches of The National Bank ODI Series against England.

The Twenty20 squad is: Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum (vice-captain/wicketkeeper), Jesse Ryder, Jamie How, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris. Jacob Oram, Peter Fulton, Kyle Mills, Paul Hitchcock, Chris Martin, Tim Southee.

The ODI squad is: Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum (vice-captain/ wicketkeeper), Jesse Ryder, Jamie How, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Peter Fulton, Jacob Oram, Kyle Mills, Paul Hitchcock, Chris Martin, Michael Mason, Jeetan Patel.

“We have included Jesse Ryder and Tim Southee in a BLACKCAPS squad for the first time and recalled Paul Hitchcock,” said New Zealand Cricket Selection Manager Sir Richard Hadlee.

“Jesse has the potential to provide an explosive start alongside Brendon McCullum at the top of the innings in both forms of the game.

“Tim will join the squad for the Twenty20 leg only. He is an impressive young bowler and the Twenty20 internationals present an ideal opportunity for him to step into the senior fold.

“He will then rejoin the New Zealand Under-19 World Cup squad for the World Cup.

“Paul Hitchcock is an experienced bowler whose style is well suited to New Zealand conditions and venues. He also gives greater depth to the batting order and a versatile range of bowling skills.

“Michael Mason replaces Tim Southee for the ODI series, with Jeetan Patel bringing the squad to 13.”

The BLACKCAPS play England in two Twenty20 internationals at Eden Park, Auckland (Tuesday 5 February) and AMI Stadium, Christchurch (Thursday 7 February).

The first three ODI matches are at Westpac Stadium, Wellington (Saturday 9 February); Seddon Park, Hamilton (Tuesday 12 February) and Eden Park (Friday 15 February).