Key Players Return to Black Caps
Thursday, April 8 2004
New Zealand selectors have recalled key players Shane Bond and Nathan Astle following lengthy battles with injury as the Black Caps touring party for England was announced today.
In a largely predictable squad, one-day specialist Kyle Mills graduated to the Test squad as the only uncapped player.
His selection comes over the likes of Ian Butler and Michael Mason - both of whom played Test and ODI cricket for New Zealand during the domestic summer - as an indication of his improvement as a seamer that should enjoy English conditions. His handy batting and strong fielding skills also weigh in his favour.
Mathew Sinclair, meanwhile, was overlooked for the touring party despite having scored a half-century in the final Test of the summer. Michael Papps retained his place in the squad as the second specialist opener as well as offering an option with the gloves should Brendan McCullum require a rest.
Yet by far the most significant selections were that of Bond and Astle. Both genuine match-winners, they offer New Zealand a full-strength squad for the first time since the World Cup in early 2003.
Bond - a world-recognized top shelf quick - has suffered consistent back trouble which only allowed him to return to the field towards the end of the recent home summer. He joins Mills, Chris Martin and the returning Daryl Tuffey as the main seam options in the squad.
Astle last played during the tour of India where he made a crucial hundred despite being physically ill with a stomach upset. His recall allows for the Black Caps to field their strongest batting line-up, potentially squeezing out an all-rounder.
The one-day squad is yet to be announced.
The 14-man Test Squad is:
Stephen Fleming (c)
Mark Richardson
Michael Papps
Scott Styris
Nathan Astle
Craig McMillan
Brendan McCullum
Chris Cairns
Jacob Oram
Daniel Vettori
Kyle Mills
Shane Bond
Daryl Tuffey
Chris Martin.
Posted by Andre
Email Us
Forum
Mail Article
Print Article