Cricket: Another Marshall makes the Black Caps

James Marshall

Northern Districts batsman James Marshall replaces Craig McMillan in the New Zealand team for the third and final cricket test against Australia starting on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland.

McMillan has been axed from the team after the weather forced a draw to the second test in Wellington yesterday.

Australia lead the series 1-0.

Marshall will make his test debut partnering Craig Cumming at the top of the order.

The move will see captain Stephen Fleming return to number four in the batting order.

Marshall's twin brother Hamish will remain at three in the batting order with Lou Vincent moving to five and Nathan Astle six.

Black Caps coach John Bracewell said he was impressed with James Marshall's development and felt that, like Hamish Marshall, he had the ability to handle test cricket and take advantage.

"James is one of a few players who are adding depth to the pool of players we select from and also competition for others vying for places in both the test and ODI sides," Brace well said.

New team for the third test:

Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Craig Cumming, James Franklin, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Iain O'Brien, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent, Paul Wiseman.

- NZPA