BLACKCAPS Twenty20 squad announced for The National Bank Series against Pakistan

New Zealand Cricket today announced a 14-man Twenty20 squad for the upcoming National Bank Series against Pakistan beginning 26 December 2010.

Ross Taylor will captain the side that includes uncapped Twenty20 players Dean Brownlie, Adam Milne and Luke Woodcock.

Dean Brownlie – Canterbury Wizards
Ian Butler – Otago Volts
James Franklin – Wellington Firebirds
Martin Guptill – Auckland Aces
Brendon McCullum – Otago Volts
Nathan McCullum – Otago Volts
Peter McGlashan – Northern Knights
Kyle Mills – Auckland Aces
Adam Milne – Central Stags
Jesse Ryder – Wellington Firebirds
Tim Southee – Northern Knights
Scott Styris – Northern Knights
Ross Taylor (c) – Central Stags
Luke Woodcock – Wellington Firebirds

Speaking about the new caps Mark Greatbatch said, “Dean Brownlie and Luke Woodcock have both enjoyed very good domestic form over the last couple of seasons and richly deserve their opportunity.

“Adam Milne is a promising young bowler and this is we are keen to give him some early exposure in international cricket.

“Adam Milne is a young up and comer with the potential to have a big impact in international cricket for many years. Twenty20 is the ideal format for the new guys to get some international experience and exposure.

“James Franklin, who showed great form in the ODI series in India, and Ian Butler who has played well for the BLACKCAPS in the past get another opportunity. As does Peter McGlashan who is likely to take the gloves with Brendon McCullum’s back still not 100 percent.

“Brendon is keen to play and we are monitoring his recovery closely. He will undergo fitness testing later this week and we will make a call on closer to the start of the match.

“Daniel Vettori’s is making good progress but back issue requires ongoing management. As such, he will not take part in the Twenty20 series to give him time to recover and he is expected to be fully fit for the Test series starting on 7 January.

“The team are excited about playing aggressive and entertaining cricket in what promises to be an enthralling series.”