Mark Gillespie and Martin Guptill return to the BLACKCAPS Test squad for the tour of England, in an otherwise unchanged side to the one which recently faced England in the ANZ Test series.
he BLACKCAPS will play two Tests against the English, at Lords Cricket Ground in London and Headingley Carnegie in Leeds.
The 15 player squad for the ODI series and ICC Champions Trophy features one uncapped player, with Wellington’s Luke Ronchi set to make his debut for the BLACKCAPS.
Daniel Vettori returns to the One Day side after eight months out of international cricket with an ankle injury, while Mitchell McClenaghan also returns after recovering from his abdominal side-strain.
The BLACKCAPS square off against England in three ODIs, before taking part in the ICC Champions Trophy which begins June 6. The tour is then completed with two Twenty20 Internationals against England at the conclusion of the tournament (team still to be named).
Test squad:
Brendon McCullum (c)
Trent Boult
Doug Bracewell
Dean Brownlie
Peter Fulton
Martin Guptill
Mark Gillespie
Tom Latham
Bruce Martin
Hamish Rutherford
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
Neil Wagner
Bradley John Watling
Kane Williamson
ODI and ICC Champions Trophy squad:
Brendon McCullum (c)
Trent Boult
Grant Elliott
Andrew Ellis
James Franklin
Martin Guptill
Mitchell McClenaghan
Nathan McCullum
Kyle Mills
Colin Munro
Luke Ronchi
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
Daniel Vettori
Kane Williamson
General Manager National Selection Kim Littlejohn said that with a fully fit squad, the race for spots had never been so competitive.
“It was great to see how many players took their opportunities in the recent ANZ International Series. Performances from the likes of Hamish Rutherford, Mitchell McClenaghan and Peter Fulton have added real depth to the side,” said Littlejohn.
“The ODI squad has a core group of players who have now played in a number of international tournaments and bring a wealth of experience. Having Daniel Vettori back in the side adds to that and we’re really excited to have someone of his quality back in the team.
“Luke Ronchi gets his chance after impressing on the domestic scene. We know how dangerous he is and look forward to seeing him display his talents on the international stage.”
Talking of the two changes to the Test team, BLACKCAPS head coach Mike Hesson said it was pleasing to see Guptill return from injury and Gillespie’s form had warranted his reselection.
“Martin has proven himself to be a world-class performer before, and we’re thrilled to have back in the side,” said Hesson.
“He’s worked hard on his rehab to make sure he’s fit and we know he’s eager to get out and represent his country again.”
“Mark has been dominant in the domestic competitions this season and fully deserves his spot in the Test side. He finished the equal top wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield this season and knows the international scene well, so we know he has the ability.”
The tour begins on May 4 with the BLACKCAPS playing a Three-day warm-up match against Derbyshire. Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor will miss that match due to IPL commitments, but will join the team in time for the second warm-up fixture against the England Lions on May 9.
