A New Zealand squad will depart on Thursday (27 September) to take part in a 50-over tournament in Queensland.
The team will take on state representative sides from South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania during a four-day, pre-season competition on the Sunshine Coast.
The squad is:
James Marshall (captain; State Northern Knights), Jamie How (State Central Stags), Craig Cumming (State Otago Volts), Michael Papps (State Canterbury Wizards), Neil Broom (State Otago Volts), Gareth Hopkins (State Auckland Aces), Grant Elliott (State Wellington Firebirds), Nathan McCullum (State Otago Volts), Bradley Scott (State Otago Volts), Michael Mason (State Central Stags), Kyle Mills (State Auckland Aces), James McMillan (State Otago Volts), Hamish Bennett (State Canterbury Wizards).
The management team comprises Sir Richard Hadlee (manager), John Wright (coach), Dayle Hadlee (bowling coach), Mark O’Neill (batting coach), Travis Wilson (fielding coach), Richie Marsden (physiotherapist) and Ian Lambie (psychologist).
“It is encouraging that we have been invited to attend this tournament after successful tours to Australia in the last two years,” said Sir Richard.
“The programme will provide those BLACKCAPS not involved in the ICC Twenty20 with vital match practice, while also allowing those players on the fringes of the team another chance to stake their claim and experience an overseas tour environment against quality opposition.”
Bowlers Michael Mason, Kyle Mills, James McMillan and Hamish Bennett will attend a pre-tour specialist camp starting today.
Bradley Scott will join the camp from the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa.
James Franklin was considered for the camp and the series, but withdrew to rest and rehabilitate after a recent knee injury.
"After showing strong and impressive performances during the Emerging Players Tournament in Australia in July, Hamish was very unlucky to miss out on selection originally,” added Sir Richard.
“With BLACKCAP bowlers James Franklin, Michael Mason and Kyle Mills included, Hamish had tough competition to gain a place.
“However, James’s withdrawal has given him a chance to further impress and develop as a promising fast bowler.
“The camp will help the BLACKCAPS bowlers prepare for a big season for the team, while giving further opportunities to emerging players to hone their skills and continue their push for international recognition, having impressed on previous A tours,” Sir Richard added.
The tour will also be John Wright’s first coaching role for New Zealand Cricket since joining the organisation last month.
“It’s great to be back with New Zealand Cricket and I’m looking forward to working with the team,” said Wright.
“Our opposition will be very competitive and it is an excellent way for our players to start the season.”
Sunday 30 September: v Southern Redbacks, Maroochydore CC 9.30am
Monday 1 October: v Victoria Bushrangers, Maroochydore CC #1 9.30am
Wednesday 3 October: v Tasmanian Tigers, Maroochydore CC 9.30am
Thursday 4 October: Finals (1 v 2; 3 v 4) Maroochydore CC # 1 & # 2 grounds (9.30am)
