NZ XI and BLACKCAPS squad for Test v Zimbabwe

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has today announced the New Zealand XI to take part in the three-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe and a 12-player squad to contest the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe in The National Bank Series.

New Zealand XI

Ross Taylor (c) – Central Stags
Brent Arnel – Northern Knights
Michael Bracewell – Otago Volts
Chris Martin – Auckland Aces
Andy McKay – Wellington Firebirds
Tarun Nethula - Central Stags
Kruger van Wyk - Central Stags
Daniel Vettori – Northern Knights
Neil Wagner – Otago Volts
Sam Wells – Otago Volts
BJ Watling – Northern Knights
Kane Williamson – Northern Knights

BLACKCAPS Test squad

Ross Taylor (c) - Central Stags
Trent Boult – Northern Knights
Doug Bracewell - Central Stags
Dean Brownlie – Canterbury Wizards
Martin Guptill – Auckland Aces
Chris Martin – Auckland Aces
Brendon McCullum – Otago Volts
Tim Southee – Northern Knights
Daniel Vettori – Northern Knights
Kruger van Wyk - Central Stags
BJ Watling – Northern Knights
Kane Williamson – Northern Knights

Commenting on the squad, National Selection Manager Kim Littlejohn said: “The team for the warm-up match is mix of experienced Test players and bright prospects.

“The match will give some of our key players some valuable preparation ahead of the Test match in Napier as well as provide an opportunity for promising players to show what they can do at a different level.

“For the Test we have kept the core of the team which beat Australia in Hobart with Jesse Ryder not considered as he works to get back to full fitness and have left out Reece Young as we look to give someone else an opportunity.

“Although we have only named 12 for the Test we will look to add another player before the match.”

Speaking about the change of wicketkeeper BLACKCAPS Coach John Wright said: “There’s a lot of competition for the wicketkeeping spot in the country at the moment.

“It’s tough on Reece, his keeping has been good and he knows that if he goes back to domestic cricket and scores runs he will remain in the frame.

“BJ will get a chance to prove himself with the gloves in the three-day game and Kruger will open the batting. A decision on who will take the gloves in the Test will be made closer to the start of the match.”

The NZ XI team gather in Gisborne on Wednesday 18 January ahead of the three-day match starting Saturday 21 January.