Henry Nicholls' memorable summer has another highlight after being named in the BLACKCAPS squad to take on Australia in the ANZ Test Series this month.
The two-match series begins in Wellington this Friday 12 February, which will also represents Brendon McCullum’s world record 100th consecutive Test since debut. The second and final game of the home summer then begins 20 February in Christchurch.
BLACKCAPS Test Squad v Australia
Corey Anderson
Doug Bracewell
Trent Boult
Mark Craig*
Martin Guptill
Matt Henry
Tom Latham
Henry Nicholls
Tim Southee
Neil Wagner
BJ Watling / Luke Ronchi (wk)
Kane Williamson
*Mark Craig is a replacement for Mitchell Santner, who was named in the initial squad before a foot injury during the ANZ ODI Series. Santner will be monitored with regard to his fitness for the final ANZ Test at Hagley Oval.
Ross Taylor was ruled out of the first ANZ Test due to an injury to his left side and will also continue to be monitored ahead of the Christchurch match.
Luke Ronchi was named as cover for BJ Watling, whose back is being monitored.
Coach Mike Hesson said Nicholls deserved his selection and that it was a squad picked with conditions in mind.
“Henry has been very impressive the way he’s made the step up to international cricket and we’re confident of the job he can do for us in the top order,” said Hesson.
“We’ve gone for just the one spinner in Mitch and that’s based around what we expect the pitches to play like at Hagley and the Basin.
“Tim’s a leader within our group and our most experienced bowler, so we’re excited to have him fit and a part of our pace bowling attack.
“Matt also comes back into the squad after some really strong performances throughout the summer and with Corey’s return we now have a number of seam bowling options to consider.
“It’s well documented how good a Test side Australia are and we know it will take some exceptional cricket for us to have a chance of taking out the series.
“It doesn’t get much bigger for all New Zealand fans than a Test Series against Australia.”
