New Zealand Invitation XI named for Pakistan tour match

New Zealand Cricket has announced the New Zealand Invitation XI team to play Pakistan in the opening tour match at Queenstown prior to the three-test series.

The team is:

Grant Elliott – Captain
Craig Cumming
Tim McIntosh
BJ Watling
Daniel Flynn
James Franklin
Reece Young – Wicketkeeper
Darrell Tuffey
Tarun Nethula
Tim Southee
Ian O’Brien
Brent Arnel

All 12 members of the squad will play during the course of the three-day game, at the request of Pakistan who are officially the hosts for the test series.

All members of the Invitation XI squad have experience at international or New Zealand ‘A’ level.

Selector Mark Greatbatch said the match would provide valuable game time in the longer form for several BLACKCAPS, including a number who had not been on the limited-overs tour to the United Arab Emirates.

“Grant Elliott and Daryl Tuffey have recovered well from injuries received at the Champions Trophy in South Africa,” said Greatbatch. “They have been playing domestic cricket and this will be a further solid workout for them.”

“There are also a few players who are knocking on the door for selection at the top level – and they will get a good opportunity to test themselves against a strong touring side.”

The New Zealand Invitation XI plays Pakistan at the Queenstown Events Centre in a three-day game from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 November.

ENDS