Cricket: Black Caps squad unchanged

Herald online

10 Mar, 2013 06:29 PM2 mins to read

New Zealand can consider themselves moral victors after the first test draw against England. The world's eighth ranked team exceeded expectations by dominating more than they were dominated against by the second best team. The onus goes on them to sustain that form when the second ANZ test starts in Wellington on Thursday. New Zealand have won only one series in 17 against England at home; further such history can be made.

Fast bowler Doug Bracewell has not recovered in time from his foot injury to be considered for the second ANZ Test against England starting in Wellington on Thursday.

The 22-year-old missed the first test in Dunedin, after initially being named in the squad, and has now been ruled out of this week's Test at the Basin Reserve.

The Black Caps squad of 13 named for the Dunedin test is unchanged with Ian Butler remaining in place of Bracewell.

Head coach Mike Hesson said he has rewarded the squad that delivered such a strong performance against the second ranked Test side in the world.

"I was very pleased with both the bowling and batting efforts in Dunedin and we plan to build on that in Wellington."

Bruce Martin and Hamish Rutherford both made their test debuts in Dunedin, with Rutherford hitting 171 in his first test innings and Martin taking five wickets.

Hesson said it will be determined closer to the time whether Bracewell will be available for the third test in Auckland starting on 22 March

Black Caps squad for second test:
Brendon McCullum (c) - Otago Volts
Trent Boult - Northern Knights
Dean Brownlie - Canterbury Wizards
Ian Butler - Otago Volts
Peter Fulton - Canterbury Wizards
Tom Latham - Canterbury Wizards
Bruce Martin - Auckland Aces
Hamish Rutherford - Otago Volts
Tim Southee - Northern Knights
Ross Taylor - Central Stags
Neil Wagner - Otago Volts
BJ Watling - Northern Knights
Kane Williamson - Northern Knights