KEY POINTS:
Incumbent test opener Craig Cumming has inherited the New Zealand Cricket contract relinquished by former teammate Craig McMillan.
Originally the only non-contracted player among the Black Caps squad currently touring South Africa, Cumming today accepted a contract for the 2007-08 season.
The 32-year-old, who plays for Otago, joined the pool of contracted players after McMillan's decision to retire from New Zealand international and domestic cricket last month.
"Craig was one of the unlucky ones when the contracts were announced so we're delighted to include him at this time," Black Caps general manager Lindsay Crocker said.
Cumming has played seven tests for New Zealand since debuting against Australia in 2004-05, scoring 327 runs at 27.25.
He was recalled for New Zealand's most recent test series against Sri Lanka last December where he averaged 29.75 from four innings.
- NZPA
