New Zealand Test Squad Named

The New Zealand Test squad for the first test against the West Indies has been named with test incumbent opener Lou Vincent missing out on selection.

A 13-man squad has been named, with two players dropping back to domestic cricket when the final eleven is named. The new inclusions to the squad include Jamie How, Peter Fulton, Jeetan Patel and the return of Chris Martin.

Black Caps coach John Bracewell has annouched that Jamie How and Hamish Marshall will open the batting for New Zealand, which is an untried and untested combination at international Test level.

Considering Lou Vincent’s superb form the past year in Test cricket where he has averaged 49.18 in New Zealand’s past seven Tests, it is most surprising that the selectors were unable to find a place for him.

The first Test starts this coming Thursday at Eden Park, and with the pitch likely to take spin, we are likely to see three players make their debut for New Zealand in How, Fulton and Patel.

Black Caps squad:
Stephen Fleming (captain), Jamie How, Hamish Marshall, Peter Fulton, Nathan Astle, Scott Styris, Brendon McCullum, James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Daniel Vettori, Jeetan Patel, Shane Bond, Chris Martin.