Blackcaps and New Zealand 'A' squads announced
New Zealand Cricket has announced the BLACKCAPS squads for the August-September tour to Sri Lanka – as well as a New Zealand ‘A’ squad which will play in India in August.
Selectors have named an initial BLACKCAPS squad of 15 for the two Tests in Sri Lanka, with several subsequent changes to the squad for the Twenty20 Internationals and One-Day Internationals.
Test squad:
- Daniel Vettori (captain)
- Craig Cumming
- Grant Elliott
- Daniel Flynn
- Martin Guptill
- Chris Martin
- Brendon McCullum
- Tim McIntosh
- Iain O’Brien
- Jacob Oram
- Jeetan Patel
- Jesse Ryder
- Ross Taylor
- Daryl Tuffey
- Reece Young
Auckland wicketkeeper Reece Young receives his first call-up to the national side. Head of the selection panel Glenn Turner said Young had earned selection as a specialist keeper, and would provide cover for McCullum.
Daryl Tuffey returns to the BLACKCAPS squad on the strength of a strong domestic season, which saw him take 27 first class wickets at an average of 22, finishing second highest wicket-taker in the State Championship.
Turner said the selectors had taken Sri Lankan conditions into account in Tuffey’s selection, and in going into the Test series with one fewer front-line seam bowler than is customary in a party of 15.
Craig Cumming secures a place in the squad as specialist batting cover for the Test series.
Twenty20 / One-Day International squad:
- Daniel Vettori (captain)
- Shane Bond
- Neil Broom
- Ian Butler
- Grant Elliott
- Martin Guptill
- Gareth Hopkins (ODIs only)
- Brendon McCullum
- Nathan McCullum
- Peter McGlashan (Twenty20s only)
- Kyle Mills
- Jacob Oram
- Jeetan Patel
- Jesse Ryder
- Ross Taylor
Several specialist limited-overs players come into the squad for the Twenty20 and ODI segment of the tour, including Broom, Butler and Nathan McCullum, along with Mills and Bond who strengthen the seam bowling attack for the limited-overs games.
A number of these players would transfer to the BLACKCAPS squad from the New Zealand ‘A’ side, which is expected to be playing in Chennai prior to the limited overs series in Sri Lanka. Their selection is dependent on confirmation of the ‘A’ tour, due later this week.
Peter McGlashan comes in as a batsman who can cover as wicketkeeper for the Twenty20 matches, and Gareth Hopkins as a cover wicketkeeper/batsman for the ODIs.
Turner said the selectors have left their options open for a 15th player to be added at a later date depending on form and requirements at the time.
The inclusion of three spin bowlers in the limited-overs squad would ensure the team could capitalise on sub-continent conditions, and provide cover in case of injuries, he added.
NEW ZEALAND ‘A’ SQUAD
A New Zealand ‘A’ side to play in India during August (dates to be confirmed) is:
- Peter Fulton (captain)
- Brent Arnel
- Shane Bond
- Neil Broom
- Brendon Diamanti
- Gareth Hopkins
- Jamie How
- Peter McGlashan
- Nathan McCullum
- Kyle Mills
- Tarun Nethula
- Aaron Redmond
- Tim Southee
- BJ Watling
- Kane Williamson
The squad includes several players who will go on to join the BLACKCAPS for the Twenty20 and One-Day International phase of the Sri Lanka series.
Turner said the A tour would provide those players a period of preparation for the limited-overs games. “Many of the squad will be coming off their winter break, so the opportunity to get game time in sub-continent conditions is ideal.”
“Shane Bond will also have a good opportunity to get up to speed before returning to the BLACKCAPS.”
The squad includes one newcomer to the A side, Auckland leg-spinner Tarun Nethula. “He was the top wicket taker in the State Championship last season, and is an interesting prospect,” said Turner.