BLACKCAPS announce 14-player squad for second Test

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) today announced the 14-player squad for the second Test of The National Bank Series against South Africa beginning in Hamilton on Thursday 15 March.

Ross Taylor - Central Stags Brent Arnel - Northern Knights

Trent Boult - Northern Knights

Doug Bracewell - Central Stags

Andrew Ellis - Canterbury Wizards Mark Gillespie - Wellington Firebirds

Martin Guptill - Auckland Aces

Chris Martin - Auckland Aces

Brendon McCullum - Otago Volts

Taurn Nethula - Central Stags

Rob Nicol - Canterbury Wizards

Kruger Van Wyk - Central Stags

Daniel Vettori - Northern Knights

Kane Williamson - Northern Knights


NZC National Selection Manager Kim Littlejohn said: "We have selected a similar Test squad to the one who played well all summer.

"Tim Southee hasn't been included. He a talented young fast bowler and we are confident he will return to the Plunket Shield and continue to put pressure on those in the Test team.

"Mark Gillespie returns to international cricket after showing good form recently and provides and strong and reliable bowling option.

"We are pleased to be able to offer Tarun an opportunity. He is bowling well and offers a point of difference to the attack.

"BJ Watling and Dean Brownlie were not considered for selection as they have not recovered sufficiently from injury."

The squad will assemble in Hamilton tomorrow morning.