Grant Elliott in BLACKCAPS squad for first test

The BLACKCAPS squad for the first test in the National Bank Series against England in Hamilton starting on Wednesday is:



Mathew Bell

Grant Elliott

Stephen Fleming

Jamie How

Chris Martin

Brendon McCullum (vice captain)

Kyle Mills

Iain O'Brien

Jacob Oram

Jeetan Patel

Mathew Sinclair

Ross Taylor

Daniel Vettori (captain).



Wellington all-rounder Grant Elliott has been included in the 13-man BLACKCAPS squad for the first test against England starting in Hamilton on Wednesday.



The South African-born player has been a stand out for Wellington over the last two seasons and has already played for New Zealand A.



Selector Dion Nash said that Elliott is a solid middle order batsman and a good bowling option with his ability to swing the ball.



Jamie How, after his excellent form in the recently completed one-day series, comes into the team as an opening batsman to partner Matthew Bell. Ross Taylor also returns to the test team after missing selection against Bangladesh.



The experienced Stephen Fleming is likely to bat at No. 3.



Peter Fulton is unavailable for this test with a reoccurrence of the right knee injury he sustained last year. He will be confined to strengthening work in the gym and the injury will be reassessed prior to the second test.



Michael Mason and Jesse Ryder were also not considered because of injury.