Cricket: Bracewell - why I chose Wilson

Anyone wanting to rile John Bracewell over the next few days should try suggesting that Jeff Wilson's selection was nothing more than a cheap publicity stunt.

The New Zealand coach was yesterday moved to defend his selection bombshell, saying it would have been a waste if he hadn't used the opportunity to find out more about the Otago all-rounder.

The three-match series between the Black Caps and a World XI will not carry one-day international status, something that Bracewell said played a huge part in the decision to recall the double All Black.

"It was an opportunity to assess Jeff's readiness for the next level without risking our ODI ranking or momentum, and I thought it was too good a chance to pass up," Bracewell said yesterday.

"To be fair, he probably wouldn't have been picked if we had been playing Sri Lanka and Australia as initially planned - but the series against the World XI has come as an unexpected opportunity."

Bracewell said he appreciated Wilson's inclusion had come as a shock to most, and confirmed he had personally explained the situation to other contenders, among them Tama Canning and Andre Adams.

The Auckland all-rounders, who were involved in the recent Chappell-Hadlee series, each received an explanatory phone call from Bracewell before the announcement of the squad.

"The bottom line was that I already had a good idea of what Tama and Andre could offer, but was unsure about Jeff's ability at the highest level.

"It's important to me, because although the ODI side have just had a fabulous year, and can do enough to beat most opponents, they possibly can't yet do enough to beat Australia or win the World Cup."

And Bracewell paid Wilson a compliment when he compared his competitive spirit and initiative with that of the now retired Dion Nash - considered one of the toughest players in the business.

"Nashy was prepared to stand up, take responsibility and make things happen."