New Zealand names unchanged Test Squad

New Zealand names unchanged Test Squad

The 12 players named are the same side as the one used in the second and third Test against the West Indies in December, winning 2-0

New Zealand selectors have kept the same Test squad for the upcoming two match Test Series against India, beginning Thursday 6 February at Eden Park.

The 12 players named are the same side as the one used in the second and third Test against the West Indies in December, winning 2-0.

Test squad

Brendon McCullum (c) - Otago Volts

Corey Anderson - Northern Knights
Trent Boult - Northern Knights

Doug Bracewell - Central Stags

Peter Fulton - Canterbury Wizards

Hamish Rutherford - Otago Volts
Jesse Ryder - Otago Volts*

Ish Sodhi - Northern Knights

Tim Southee - Northern Knights 

Ross Taylor - Central Stags

Neil Wagner - Otago Volts 

BJ Watling - Northern Knights

Kane Williamson - Northern Knights

*Jesse Ryder will travel with the squad as cover for Ross Taylor, whose second child is due during the Test series.

Edgar says it’s a settled squad, but feels there are plenty of players knocking on the door.

“We’ve been really pleased with how this group of players has performed and they’ve been rewarded with consistent selection.

“There’s a lot of talented players in the wings, with the likes of  Hamish Bennett, Jimmy Neesham, Tom Latham, Martin Guptill and Jesse Ryder all pushing hard to be involved. That brings out the best in players, and poses some hard questions for Mike and I.

“We’ve made a lot of progress in the Test format recently and the two matches against India will be another chance to continue that development. India are a class side and will give us a good gauge of where the team is at,” said Edgar.

New Zealand Head Coach Mike Hesson says India shapes up as a massive challenge, but also a great opportunity.

“We were thrilled the way we played to beat the West Indies 2-0, but realise we’ll have to step it up another gear when playing India.

“It’s an exciting challenge and we look forward to giving it our all,” said Hesson.

Peter Fulton and Hamish Rutherford will also feature for a New Zealand XI side in a two day warm-up match against India beginning 2 February at Cobham Oval, Whangarei.

New Zealand XI side

Peter Fulton (c) – Canterbury Wizards
Roald Badenhorst – Central Stags
Jono Boult – Northern Knights 
Anton Devcich – Northern Knights
Tipene Friday – Auckland Aces
Jono Hickey – Northern Knights
Shawn Hicks – NZ Under-19s
Iain McPeake – Northern Knights
Hamish Rutherford – Otago Volts
Tim Seifert (w) – NZ Under-19s
Ill Tugaga – Wellington Firebirds
Henry Walsh – Wellington Firebirds
 

Edgar believes the match is a great opportunity for all the New Zealand XI players.

“We’ve gone with a predominantly youthful side because we feel the experience will help their development.

“It’s not often you get to face India, so it’s a great chance for the players to test themselves against one of the world's leading sides.

“For Peter and Hamish, it will be a good chance to have a look at the Indian attack before the first Test,“ said Edgar.