Cricket: Plenty of experience in NZ A squad to visit India

Henry Nicholls will lead New Zealand A on their tour to India. Photo / Nick Reed

Test batsman Henry Nicholls will lead New Zealand A in two first-class matches and five one-dayers in their series against India A this month.

There is one change between the two formats, with test opener Jeet Raval being replaced by fellow Auckland batsman Glenn Philips after the two first-class games.

Of the 16 players, 13 have played for New Zealand, with seven centrally contracted to New Zealand Cricket.

"Going into a significantly different environment to that of the New Zealand domestic scene is a huge opportunity to promote player growth," national selector and team manager Gavin Larsen said.

"Preparing for international cricket is challenging, so this is a great chance for these players to improve their game in sub-continent conditions."

Former international fast bowler Shane Bond will be coach of the side.

New Zealand A squad: Henry Nicholls (c, Canterbury), Jeet Raval, Colin Munro, Glenn Philips, Lockie Ferguson, Sean Solia (Auckland), George Worker, Tom Bruce, Will Young, Seth Rance (Central Districts), Todd Astle, Matt Henry (Canterbury), Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi (Northern Districts), Tom Blundell (Wellington).

Schedule:
Sept 23-26: First four-day match, Vijayawada
Sept 30-Oct 3: Second four-day match, Vijayawada.
Oct 6,8,10,13,15: One-day series, all Visakhapatnam.