New Zealand selection XI to face England

New Zealand Cricket today announced a team to play England in a first-class match at University Oval Dunedin, commencing Thursday (28 February).

The team is:

Jamie How (captain)
Matthew Bell
Peter Fulton
Ross Taylor
Mathew Sinclair
Grant Elliott
Mark Orchard
Bevan Griggs
Jeetan Patel
Mark Gillespie
Iain O'Brien


“With Otago Volts qualifying for the State Shield final, we have taken the opportunity of using a replacement squad,” said selection manager Sir Richard Hadlee.

“As Auckland Aces are also involved in that match, we have selected players from the other four first-class provinces.

“Matthew Bell, Peter Fulton, Mathew Sinclair, Mark Gillespie and Iain O'Brien are involved in the current two-day game and will remain in Dunedin for the first-class match.

“A number of BLACKCAPS have been selected to help them prepare for the Test series, allowing them to open the head-to-head contests they will face this season.

“There are also other players we want to look at and give them an opportunity to impress.”