Cricket: Black Caps axe Ingram

NZ opener Peter Ingram has been released to play for Central Districts tomorrow. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Opener Peter Ingram has been dropped from the Black Caps squad for the final two one-day internationals against Australia.

Ingram has been released from the side and will play for Central Districts in their Plunket Shield match against Wellington, starting in Napier tomorrow.

It means Martin Guptill is likely to open the batting with Brendon McCullum in today's fourth match in Auckland, with Ross Taylor moving up to No 3. Daryl Tuffey and James Franklin should be available for selection.

Auckland wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins is looking to continue his impressive form with the bat in the lower-order. He is sure Australia will have some better plans to tackle him, so he may have to tweak his plans too.

The match gets underway at 2pm, with showers forecast this evening.

- NEWSTALK ZB