New Zealand Cricket is sending two squads to play against international A teams and academy teams in Australia during June and July, as part of the BLACKCAPS preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.
NZC high performance manager Ric Charlesworth said: “Both squads will take part in a 10 day preparation camp in Cairns before playing a variety of four-day, one-day and twenty20 matches against India A, Pakistan A, Australia A and academy teams from Australia, South Africa and India.
“The squad visits are part of our overall planning and preparation for the World Cup.
“The initiative will also provide valuable development opportunities for the Major Association and NZC High Performance Centre coaches selected in coaching roles with the squads.
“We have included Major Association and High Performance Centre coaches in our A Playing Programme since its inception, and we see this as another opportunity to expose these coaches to international cricket.”
Auckland coach Mark O’Donnell will coach one of the squads assisted by Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson.
BLACKCAPS assistant coach Bob Carter will be in charge of the other squad assisted by High Performance Centre coach Ashley Ross and Otago coach Mike Hesson.”
The players will also benefit from specialist coaching during the 10 day camp. This will include input from coaches such as Bruce Reid, the former Australian fast bowler who in recent years has assisted Australia, India and England.
“This initiative is being assisted by SPARC as part of our build up to the world cup and we are grateful for their strong support,” Dr Charlesworth added.
The squads will play in Cairns, Brisbane and Darwin. The full itineraries will be announced at a later date.
Team One: Peter Fulton (State Canterbury Wizards; captain), James Marshall (State Northern Knights; vice-captain, Graham Aldridge (State Northern Knights), Brendan Diamanti (State Central Stags), Mark Gillespie (State Wellington Firebirds), Jamie How (State Central Stags), Michael Mason (State Central Stags), Nathan McCullum(State Otago Volts), Peter McGlashan (State Northern Knights), Warren McSkimming (State Otago Volts), Jesse Ryder (State Wellington Firebirds), Ross Taylor (State Central Stags), Lou Vincent (State Auckland Aces)
Staff: Richard Hadlee (manager); Bob Carter (coach); Ashley Ross and Mike Hesson (assistant coaches and video analysis)
Team Two: Craig McMillan (State Canterbury Wizards; captain), Matthew Bell (State Wellington Firebirds; vice-captain), Hamish Bennett(State Canterbury Wizards), Gareth Hopkins(State Otago Volts), Bruce Martin (State Northern Knights), Chris Martin (State Auckland Aces), Kyle Mills (State Auckland Aces), Rob Nicol (State Auckland Aces), Mark Orchard (State Northern Knights), Michael Papps(State Canterbury Wizards), Jeetan Patel (State Wellington Firebirds), Mathew Sinclair(State Central Stags), Richard Sherlock(State Canterbury Wizards)
Staff: Dayle Hadlee (manager), Mark O’Donnell (coach), Vaughn Johnson (assistant coach)
