Ross Taylor, senior New Zealand batsman, has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia, starting next Friday, putting rising batting star Henry Nicholls in line for his debut.
Taylor is struggling with a side strain suffered during a Twenty20 International match against Pakistan last month.
"Henry has been very impressive the way he's made the step up to international cricket and we're confident of the job he can do for us in the top order," Mike Hesson, New Zealand's head coach said.
Nicholls' international career consists of eight ODIs with an impressive 61 against Australia in the Auckland ODI on Wednesday which New Zealand won by 159 runs.
On the other hand, Tim Southee, who suffered a foot injury in the third One-Day International against Sri Lanka in December last year, has been declared fit to resume international duties.
The squad announced by New Zealand Cricket on Friday (February 5), on the eve of the second ODI against Australia, also includes Matt Henry, all-rounder Corey Anderson who missed the November Test series in Australia.
Hesson said Southee, who forms a potent new-ball attack with Trent Boult, was New Zealand's most experienced bowler and "we're excited to have him fit and a part of our pace bowling attack.
"Matt also comes back into the squad after some really strong performances throughout the summer, and with Corey's return we now have a number of seam bowling options to consider.
"It's well documented how good a Test side Australia are and we know it will take some exceptional cricket for us to have a chance of taking out the series," Hesson said
Wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who is nursing a back injury, has been named in the squad but Luke Ronchi has also been selected as his cover.
The first Test starts in Wellington on February 12 with the second and final Test in Christchurch from February 20.
New Zealand's squad for first Test: Brendon McCullum (c), Corey Anderson, Doug Bracewell, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling and Kane Williamson. Luke Ronchi as wicketkeeper cover.
No comments:
Post a Comment