BLACKCAPS announce 13-player Test squad

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced a 13-player squad for the upcoming National Bank Series Test against South Africa starting in Dunedin on Wednesday 7 March.

Ross Taylor (c) – Central Stags
Brent Arnel – Northern Knights
Trent Boult – Northern Knights
Doug Bracewell – Central Stags
Andrew Ellis – Canterbury Wizards
Martin Guptill – Auckland Aces
Chris Martin – Auckland Aces
Brendon McCullum – Otago Volts
Rob Nicol – Canterbury Wizards
Tim Southee – Northern Knights
Daniel Vettori – Northern Knights
BJ Watling – Northern Knights
Kane Williamson – Northern Knight

The squad includes the ten players who started against Zimbabwe along with Rob Nicol and Andrew Ellis who are uncapped at Test level.  Brent Arnel returns to the squad while Dean Brownlie wasn’t considered due to injury.

National Selection Manager Kim Littlejohn said: “We are pleased with the way the Test team has performed this summer and this group is looking forward to the challenge of continuing that success.

“Both Rob and Andrew have shown promise against South Africa in limited overs cricket and we believe they can transfer their form across to the Test matches.

“Sam Wells, who was part of the squad who played Zimbabwe, is unlucky to miss out but we decided to include players will a bit more cricket under their belt.   He still remains part of our thinking for the future.”

One player will be added if required to bring the squad up to the full complement of 14 players.