Two new faces in NZ test squad by Cricketarchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	BJ Arnel, MJ Guptill, JEC Franklin
Event:	India in New Zealand 2008/09

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DateLine: 12th March 2009

 

Northern Districts fast bowler Brent Arnel has been included in New Zealand's squad for the first of three Tests against India beginning on March 18 in Hamilton. The other new inclusion is batsman Martin Guptill, who has been in good form in one-day internationals. Arnel was New Zealand A's best bowler in the recently completed two-match series against England Lions, taking seven wickets at 25.71. He also represented New Zealand A in India in 2008. "He's [Arnel] bowled well consistently over a period of time, and has the advantage of having done quite a bit of bowling in recent four-day matches," Glenn Turner, the head of New Zealand's selection panel, said.

 

All-rounder Jacob Oram, who returned from injury for the ODIs, was not considered for selection because he was not yet confident of playing a five-day game. Oram's performances during the ODIs against India were weak as well. He scored eight runs in three innings and took no wickets in 18.3 overs. The all-rounder's spot in the Test squad went to James Franklin, who scored 92 against England Lions and took four wickets in the two matches. Franklin's place in the New Zealand A squad for the Twenty20 against England Lions will be taken by Scott Styris, while Warren McSkimming will replace Arnel.

 

New Zealand also named an unchanged squad for the final ODI against India in Auckland on March 14. Ian Butler has not recovered from his thigh strain to return to the team. India have already won the series, after taking a 3-0 lead in Hamilton on Wednesday.

 

First Test squad : Daniel Vettori (capt), Brent Arnel, Daniel Flynn, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Tim McIntosh, Brendon McCullum (wk), Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor.

 

Fifth ODI squad : Daniel Vettori (capt), Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Peter McGlashan (wk), Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Ewen Thompson.