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After a comprehensive victory in the Twenty20 and then the One-Day International series the BLACKCAPS will want to carry that momentum through to the Test arena.
On paper it may look like Bangladesh doesn’t stand a chance but Daniel Vettori won’t read too much into that, focussing on winning first and foremost but also looking to build some momentum ahead of the much anticipated Australian series.
"They have a very good captain who has done so well for them so I think they are maturing as a side and we know that when they hit their straps they are going to be a difficult team to beat. I suppose we are trying to keep our standards high so we don’t slip up against them," Vettori commented.
Match Details
BLACKCAPS v Bangladesh
12:00 noon start
Seddon Park, Hamilton
How the team is shaping up
The BLACKCAPS bowling attack will be without the services of Iain O’Brien and Shane Bond, who both recently retired from Test cricket but still has the vastly experienced Chris Martin leading the attack and he will backed up by Daryl Tuffey and Tim Southee.
“As new ball bowlers, they can take wickets at any time. I know that Chris Martin in particular is excited about being back in the team and is raring to go,” Vettori said.
Unfortunately left-arm pace bowler Andy McKay is unavailable due to a foot injury handing Brent Arnel a call up.
The top order is relatively inexperienced with Tim McIntosh the most experienced with 14 caps. BJ Watling made an excellent impression in his first Test with Peter Ingram a chance to make his debut after excellent from in the Twenty20 and ODI series.
It looks like Martin Guptill will be moved to five in hope that his free flowing style will be more effective. He will follow Ross Taylor and come in before Vettori and Brendon McCullum in an exciting looking middle order.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Brendon McCullum »
Conditions at Seddon Park
Head groundsman at Seddon Park, Karl Johnson said although there has been a lot of rain lately, the Hamilton wicket is generally a good batting surface. He said that the high amount of humidity and later starting time of the test will provide some added interest.
“The match starts at 12.00pm rather than 11.00pm, which will allow the wicket to dry out a little more. The humidity will make the ball swing as well, so that will mean the batsmen will have to concentrate.
“The batsmen will also have to make a quick adjustment from the shorter versions of the game. We have left a little more grass on the test wicket than usual, and it is looking a little green on top. The pitch is like a petrol tank, to make it last for five days you need to have a little in the tank to start with. So it will be a pretty quick strip.”
Head to head
Played: 8
BLACKCAPS won: 7
Bangladesh won: 0
Drawn matches: 1
Squads
BLACKCAPS: Daniel Vettori (Captain), Tim McIntosh, BJ Watling, Peter Ingram, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Neil Broom, Brendon McCullum, Chris Martin, Jeetan Patel, Tim Southee,Daryl Tuffey.
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Abdur Razzak, Aftab Ahmed, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim†, Naeem Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Raqibul Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Tamim Iqbal
What the players are saying
“Depending on the overhead conditions and how the pitch dries we will look at the possibility of taking two spinners into the match.” – Daniel Vettori
“I think we are improving and getting better and better each time we are playing so this is another chance to show.” -Shakib Al Hasan
“We have three bowlers who are bowling over 135 – 145km so that is a good sign for us and we are hoping they can carry on their experience.” - Shakib Al Hasan
