New Zealand Cricket today announced the side for the three-day warm-up match against the West Indies President’s XI starting 20 July 2012 (21 July 2012, NZ time).
BJ Watling and Trent Boult are recovering from quad strains while Tim Southee and Doug Bracewell are the other squad members not included in the starting eleven.
BLACKCAPS captain Ross Taylor said the three-day match was opportunity to increase player workloads as well as a chance for individuals to press for selection ahead of the Test series.
“It’s a good opportunity for the players to get out there and spend time on their feet and it’s not often you get to play a warm-up game on a ground where you will be playing the Test match,” said Taylor.
“We’re still undecided on the balance of the side. Tarun has come in and spin is going to be a big part of how we play this warm-up game and the Test match. Hopefully he goes well and makes our job a lot harder when we come to pick the Test team.”
Neil Wagner also gets a chance to impress and Taylor said he was looking forward to seeing how the hostile fast-bowler performs in his first match for the BLACKCAPS.
“The few times I played against him and saw him on TV he’s very aggressive,” said Taylor. “He’s a guy who’s been wanting to play for New Zealand for a while and has very good record. “
“He gives us a slightly different option being a left-hander and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes.”
Ross Taylor (c)
Dean Brownlie
Daniel Flynn
Martin Guptill
Chris Martin
Brendon McCullum
Tarun Nethula
Kruger van Wyk
Daniel Vettori
Neil Wagner
Kane Williamson
