Cricket: Changes to Black Caps for final ODI's

Exciting Central Districts batsman Ross Taylor is set to make his debut for the Black Caps in their one-day international against the West Indies in Napier this week.

Taylor and bowler Kyle Mills have been brought into the squad for the match, to be played at McLean Park on Wednesday.

Taylor and Mills will replace opening batsman Jamie How and medium pace bowler James Franklin, both of whom "have been released from the squad to play domestic cricket".

Taylor earned his place after an outstanding season in domestic cricket, in which he scored a record three centuries in State Shield one-day matches.
Mills had been on standby for the previous match as cover for Michael Mason, who had a mild lower back strain. Mason retains his place in the squad.

The replacements are consistent with the rotation policy of coach John Bracewell and the selectors aimed at broadening the Black Caps' international player base.

A statement from the Black Caps said the squad was for Wednesday's match only and made no mention of whether it would carry over for the final one-day international against the West Indies in Auckland on Saturday.

The Black Caps wrapped up the five-match series against the West Indies 3-0 with victory at Jade Stadium in Christchurch yesterday.

Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Lou Vincent, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Peter Fulton, Hamish Marshall, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond, Michael Mason, Jeetan Patel.

- NZPA