Papps to open, Patel possible

Michael Papps has been named as Hamish Marshall’s replacement and will open the batting in the second Test against South Africa starting later today.

Papps made his debut for New Zealand back in 2004, and played his last Test for New Zealand against England at Headingley in June 2004 where he scored 86 and 0.

In the warm-up match against Rest of the South Africa prior to the first Test, Papps scored six before being dismissed by Monde Zondeki.

Papps saw off the challenge of Jamie How who has had a disappointing start to his Test career in only averaging 19 and he didn’t do himself any favours in being dimissed for 11 against Rest of South Africa.

With the pitch at Newlands expected to low and slow, Jeetan Patel has been named in the twelve, with a final decision on the make up of the eleven to be made shortly before the toss.

New Zealand
Michael Papps, Peter Fulton, Stephen Fleming (captain), Scott Styris, Nathan Astle, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Chris Martin, Jeetan Patel, (12th man to be named).

South Africa (squad)
Graeme Smith (captain), Boeta Dippenaar, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, AB de Villiers, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Nicky Boje, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Jacques Ruldolph, Andre Nel, Andrew Hall.