BLACKCAPS coach John Bracewell today announced the BLACKCAPS squad for the Twenty20 match and first two one-day international matches of The National Bank Series against the West Indies.
Chris Cairns is added to the squad for the Twenty20 match only, which will be his last match for the BLACKCAPS before he retires from international cricket.
“With a return to form of many players at domestic level there was fierce competition for top order batsmen. It was very much a case of deciding who to leave out rather than who to select,” Bracewell said.
“With injuries to key players and the retirement of Chris Cairns there are some issues around selecting all rounders of international quality.
“Michael Mason is currently the best line and length bowler in the country. With the gap left by injuries to Kyle Mills, Andre Adams and Jacob Oram, he has a real opportunity to prove himself at international level.
“Mills is recovering from his groin strain but does not have enough recent cricket to be considered for section. He will be returning to club cricket this weekend and will play a State Championship match before the team for the remainder of the one-day series is announced.
“Adams is recovering from his fractured hand and should be returning to cricket soon. We do not know how long Oram will be out of the frame as he recovers from his bruised heel.”
BLACKCAPS squad to face West Indies in The National Bank Series: Stephen Fleming (captain), Daniel Vettori (vice captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Jamie How, Hamish Marshall, Michael Mason, Brendon McCullum, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris, Lou Vincent
