ok so the NZ team for the 1st ODI has been released as follows:
Fleming, Astle, Vincent, McMillan, Sinclair, McCullum, Oram, Vettori, Tuffey, Bond, Mills, & Hitchcock.
Cairns, Harris & Adams were unavailable due to their injuries, although Harris & Adams are said to be in contention for Game 3. No word regarding Cairns' return.
The NZ selectors are concerned that they now only have 2 matches (domestic) to asses the fitness & form of players b4 having to announce their final 15 man squad for the WC. (Note: if you include the 3 unavailable players you have a good indication as to the probable 15 the selectors are looking at!!!) I am pleased to see Sinclair included but still concerned that we only have 5 specialist batsmen in the potential 15.
So far as the 1st ODI XI goes I am expecting / hoping Hitchcock to be named as 12th man, with Astle used as cover for the 5th bowling position if required. Mills will likely be selected as the game is to be played on his home ground. The last thing I want to see is a batsman dropped & 5 specialist bowlers selected along with an all rounder!!!!!
8D