The inclusion of Derek de Boorder and Jesse Ryder are the features of a strong New Zealand A squad to play four 50-over matches in the United Arab Emirates next month.
De Boorder is the only member of the squad without One Day International experience, while Ryder returns to a New Zealand combination for the first time since last summer’s series against India.
New Zealand Cricket General Manager National Selection Bruce Edgar says the NZ A tour is an opportunity for the selectors to have a closer look at some of the players on the fringe of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 selection.
“The squad for CWC 2015 is named on 8 January, so we want to ensure every player in contention is given a chance on the international stage.
“We need to know we’ve left no questions unanswered.”
Edgar says Ryder has been included in the squad to assess and evaluate his progress in an international touring environment.
“I’d remind people that, at this point, Jesse has been selected for NZ A, nothing more; nothing less,” says Edgar.
“It’s an important step for Jesse but it is only a first step and we’re anxious not to get ahead of ourselves.
“Like everyone else in the squad, his future prospects will depend on his performance, on and off the field in Dubai.”
Jesse Ryder trains during last year's ANZ International Series.
Edgar says de Boorder’s selection effectively confirms his position as the country’s third-ranked wicket-keeper, after BJ Watling and Luke Ronchi.
“Derek’s been making good progress as a specialist gloveman with the SBS Bank Otago Volts, and his inclusion in this squad is recognition of that.”
Edgar added that BLACKCAPS Test players who are not involved in the second and third Tests against Pakistan will also be used for the four NZ A matches, all of which will carry official List A status.
The BLACKCAPS squad for two Twenty20 matches and five One Day Internationals against Pakistan in the UAE from 4 December will be named on 1 December.
New Zealand A squad for four matches in the UAE
Kyle Mills - Auckland Aces (c)
Dean Brownlie - Northern Knights
Derek de Boorder - Otago Volts
Colin de Grandhomme - Auckland Aces
Anton Devcich - Northern Knights
Martin Guptill - Auckland Aces
Matt Henry - Canterbury
Mitchell McClenaghan - Auckland Aces
Nathan McCullum - Otago Volts
Adam Milne - Central Stags
Colin Munro - Auckland Aces
Jesse Ryder – Otago Volts
Daniel Vettori - Northern Knights
New Zealand A will play four 50 over matches at the Global Cricket Academy in Dubai.
