Cricket: Black Caps squad announced

Auckland wicketkeeper Reece Young has won promotion to the New Zealand cricket squad.

Young was today named for his first assignment with the national side when they tour Sri Lanka next month for two tests.

Head of the selection panel, Glenn Turner, said Young had earned selection as a specialist wicketkeeper, and would provide cover for top gloveman Brendon McCullum.

Another notable selection is that of fast bowler Daryl Tuffey, who last played at test level for his country in 2004.

Tuffey performed strongly at domestic level for Auckland last summer, when he captured 27 first-class wickets at an average of 22 and finished as the second highest wicket-taker in the State Championship.

Turner said the selectors had taken Sri Lankan conditions into account in Tuffey's selection, as well as the fact the tourists enter the test series with one fewer frontline seam bowler than is customary in a party of 15.

Otago opener Craig Cumming has secured a place in the squad as the specialist batting cover for the test series.

Several specialist limited overs players come into the squad for the Twenty20 and one-day internationals segment of the tour.

They include Neil Broom, Ian Butler and Nathan McCullum, along with Kyle Mills and Shane Bond, who strengthen the seam bowling attack.

Peter McGlashan comes in as a batsman who can cover as wicketkeeper for the Twenty20 matches, and Gareth Hopkins as a cover wicketkeeper/batsman for the one-dayers.

Turner said the selectors have left their options open for a 15th player to be added at a later date depending on form and requirements at the time.

The inclusion of three spin bowlers in the limited overs squad would ensure the team could capitalise on subcontinent conditions, and provide cover in case of injuries, he said.

- NZPA