BLACKCAPS team named for first two one-day internationals

The BLACKCAPS squad for the first two One-Day International matches in Napier on December 28 and Queenstown on December 31 is:

Daniel Vettori (captain), Andre Adams, Nathan Astle, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Michael Mason, Brendon McCullum, Jeetan Patel, Ross Taylor.

Jacob Oram, Kyle Mills and Scott Styris were not considered because of injury.

In naming the team, coach John Bracewell said: “With Stephen Fleming not playing as part of our reconditioning programme for key players, Daniel Vettori will assume the captaincy.

“Hamish Marshall is back in the squad after his good form in the State Championship and Brendon McCullum will continue to open the innings and will also take the gloves in these two games.”

Mark Gillespie, if selected in the playing eleven, will make his ODI debut.