New Zealand Cricket today announced the Test side to travel to South Africa, with a number of familiar faces being recalled as well as one potential debutant also being named.
Test squad:
Brendon McCullum (c): Otago Volts
Trent Boult: Northern Knights
Doug Bracewell: Central Stags
Dean Brownlie: Canterbury Wizards
Daniel Flynn: Northern Knights
James Franklin: Wellington Firebirds
Peter Fulton: Canterbury Wizards
Martin Guptill: Auckland Aces
Chris Martin: Auckland Aces
Bruce Martin: Auckland Aces
Jeetan Patel: Wellington Firebirds
Kane Williamson: Northern Knights
Tim Southee: Northern Knights
Neil Wagner: Otago Volts
BJ Watling: Northern Knights
Bruce Martin of the Auckland Aces joins the side for the first time, providing another spin option alongside Jeetan Patel.
Returning to the side are a couple of familiar faces in Dean Brownlie and Peter Fulton. The Canterbury Wizards duo have shown some terrific form in the Plunket Shield, warranting their inclusion.
BLACKCAPS coach Mike Hesson said of the selected side: “We are expecting a very tough series and I’m sure our squad are up for the challenge.
“The majority of the squad took part in the recent Test series in Sri Lanka but we felt that it was necessary to make a few changes.
“Bruce Martin is a specialist spinner who can bowl a lot of overs and he deserves an opportunity after showing good recent form.”
Following a three-day warm-up match, the Test series in South Africa begins January 2nd.
