BLACKCAPS squad for Bangladesh Test announced

The following players have been selected to contest the Test match against Bangladesh, which commences Monday 15 February 2010.

1. D.L Vettori
2. N. Broom
3. M. Guptill
4. P. Ingram
5. B. McCullum
6. T. McIntosh
7. A. McKay
8. C. Martin
9. J. Patel
10. T. Southee
11. R. Taylor
12. D. Tuffey
13. B.J. Watling

Selector Mark Greatbatch said the core of the team is the same as that which contested the series against Pakistan before Christmas. New Test caps include Peter Ingram, Neil Broom and Andy McKay.

“Peter Ingram has been picked based on the form he has shown in the longer versions of the game over the last three years of domestic cricket. We always had an eye on him for the test matches, and this is his chance to step up. The top order is an important area where we need to improve and we want to see how Peter goes at the next level.

“Neil Broom has been picked on the weight of domestic runs he has scored.

“We have moved Martin Guptil down the order. We feel that this is a more natural position for him and he is better suited there. He is a quality young player and he needs a chance to play longer innings.

“Andy McKay has been a big improver this year with Wellington. He took his opportunities in the ODI games he played against Bangladesh and in all formats of the game for Wellington, so now he has a chance to prove himself the Test arena.

“Andy has some good pace and can move the ball around, which is always going to bother even the best of players.”

Grant Elliot and Jesse Ryder were not considered because of injury. Shane Bond and Ian O’Brien have retired from Test cricket.