Blackcaps 12 for second Test

BLACKCAPS take similar 12 into second Test

New Zealand Cricket has announced a largely unchanged BLACKCAPS squad for the second Test against India, beginning in Napier on Thursday 26 March.

The Test squad of 12 is:

Daniel Vettori (captain)
Daniel Flynn
James Franklin
Martin Guptill
Tim McIntosh
Brendon McCullum
Chris Martin
Kyle Mills
Iain O’Brien
Jeetan Patel
Jesse Ryder
Ross Taylor

The only change from the first Test squad is the omission of bowler Brent Arnel, who was not considered after suffering a side strain in his State Championship match last week.

Iain O’Brien and Daniel Flynn, who picked up minor injuries in the Hamilton Test, would be monitored over the next two or three days, said Glenn Turner, head of the selection panel. There were currently no plans to bring in additional players as cover.

Turner added that Jacob Oram's progress was being followed closely but he is not yet at full match fitness. “He’s only had a couple of days in the domestic competition, and after talking with him we agree he’d benefit from more game time to get up to the fitness level needed for the Test side.”

The second Test in the National Bank Series between New Zealand and India will be played from Thursday 26 to Monday 30 March, at McLean Park, Napier.