The return of Cricket World Cup star Martin Guptill and the call-up of fast-bowler Matt Henry are the features of the BLACKCAPS Test squad to play England in a two match series starting next month.
Guptill, who last played a Test on the corresponding tour of England in 2013, made his debut in 2009 and has two Test centuries to his name, including a highest score of 189.
In 31 Tests he’s averaged just under 30.00.
BLACKCAPS coach and selector Mike Hesson said Guptill was able to cover several batting positions and would have a chance to further his claims during the two warm-up games ahead of the opening Test.
“This is a stable, established Test side but there will be opportunities for contenders,” said Hesson.
“Martin’s a classically-styled batsman and there’s really no reason why he can’t be as influential in the longer game as he is in the short.”
Hesson said Henry, who received his chance partly because of the unavailability of the injured James Neesham, was ready for the challenge.
“It’s another step up for Matt but we’ve been impressed by the maturity and skill-set he’s already shown in the ODI format.”
Given conditions expected in England in May and June, Mark Craig is the sole specialist spinner selected.
In the absence of those players with IPL commitments, BJ Watling will be captain in the warm-up games against Somerset and Worcester, while pace bowlers Jacob Duffy (SBS Otago Volts) and Ben Wheeler (Devon Hotel Central Stags), and all-rounder Mitchell Santner (SKYCITY Northern Knights) will join the squad.
Santner, meanwhile, is the only uncapped player selected in the BLACKCAPS ODI and T20I squad.
The 23-year-old left-hander averaged 36.22 with the bat during the most recent Ford Trophy season and took 11 wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin.
"Mitchell brings to the table some all-round cover", said Hesson.
"We're hoping he can take his opportunities and continue the excellent progress he's been making over recent seasons."
BLACKCAPS Test Squad
Brendon McCullum (SBS Otago Volts, captain)
Corey Anderson (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Trent Boult (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Doug Bracewell (Devon Hotel Central Stags)
Mark Craig (SBS Otago Volts)
Martin Guptill (Mondiale Auckland Aces)
Matt Henry (Canterbury)
Tom Latham (Canterbury)
Luke Ronchi (Wellington Firebirds)
Hamish Rutherford (SBS Otago Volts)
Tim Southee (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Ross Taylor (Devon Hotel Central Stags)
Neil Wagner (SBS Otago Volts)
BJ Watling (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Kane Williamson (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
BLACKCAPS ODI and T20I Squad
Brendon McCullum (SBS Otago Volts, captain)
Corey Anderson (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Trent Boult (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Grant Elliott (Wellington Firebirds)
Martin Guptill (Mondiale Auckland Aces)
Matt Henry (Canterbury)
Tom Latham (Canterbury)
Mitchell McClenaghan (Mondiale Auckland Aces)
Nathan McCullum (SBS Otago Volts)
Adam Milne (Devon Hotel Central Stags)
Luke Ronchi (Wellington Firebirds)
Mitchell Santner (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Tim Southee (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Ross Taylor (Devon Hotel Central Stags)
Kane Williamson (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
BLACKCAPS to England
v Somerset, Taunton Vale, May 8-11
v Worcester, New Road, May 14-17
v ENGLAND, First Test, Lord’s, May 21-25
v ENGLAND, Second Test, Headingly, May 29-June 2
v Leicester, Grace Road, June 6
v ENGLAND, First ODI, Edgbaston, June 9
v ENGLAND, Second ODI, Kia Oval, June 12
v ENGLAND, Third ODI, Rose Bowl, June 14
v ENGLAND, Fourth ODI, Trent Bridge, June 17
v ENGLAND, Fifth ODI, Riverside, June 20
v ENGLAND, T20I, Old Trafford, June 23
