KEY POINTS:
Craig McMillan was the big mover and James Marshall the biggest loser after John Bracewell yesterday unveiled his latest thoughts on the New Zealand one-day combination.
McMillan, dropped last year because of form and fitness, returns to the squad for Saturday's one-day international against Sri Lanka and the
upcoming tri-series in Australia - as a potential solution at No 7
Bracewell reasoned yesterday that he had adequate options at the top of the order with Brendon McCullum, Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle and Ross Taylor, and that one of his top priorities was developing an end-of-innings specialist.
The New Zealand coach yesterday made two changes to his squad for Saturday's fourth ODI against Sri Lanka, bringing in Fleming and McMillan at the expense of Nathan Astle and James Marshall.
But, while Astle can put his feet up this weekend safe in the knowledge that he has the tri-series looming, there is no such reprieve for Marshall, who has been squeezed out of both squads. Bracewell said he opted for a 14 rather than a 15-man tri-series squad because he expected to be able to call in his three previously-injured front-liners - Jacob Oram, Scott Styris and Kyle Mills - midway through the tour.
"Ideally it would be game four - Adelaide," Bracewell said of the most likely interchange opportunity.
"But we're not going to be bound by those dates.
"We're going to be patient with the build-up of that trio.
"It's not a race to get to Australia; it's about getting the right guys to the World Cup."
Bracewell confirmed that the experiment of opening the batting with McCullum was likely to continue throughout the tri-series against Australia and England, and that he was encouraged by what he'd seen so far.
McCullum had previously starred for New Zealand in the lower order but was promoted on the strength of a capable technique and his potential as one of the most explosive batsmen in New Zealand.
"We know Brendon can do the finishing job and I think he's developing nicely as an opener as well; so that gives us a degree of flexibility," said Bracewell. "I think he's playing positively, he gives us a 360 degree game inside the first power-plays, and I think the entire concept is moving in the right direction."
But he said the one problem created by McCullum's promotion was the need to find a replacement player who could slot in at No 7 and offer some power in the closing overs - which is where McMillan entered calculations.
"I think the closing position is very important to us," said Bracewell. "We still have flexibility at the top because we have the experience of Nathan Astle and Stephen Fleming, and the promise of Ross Taylor - but we want to develop our options later on.
"We're looking for the confidence and grittiness that McMillan can provide, but we want it with consistency.
"He's probably got a role with the ball too, especially if we hit a few of the drier wickets."
Bracewell also took the chance to acknowledge the all-round development of James Franklin, who played a life-saving hand in each of the second innings chases at Queenstown and Christchurch.
"I'm delighted that James Franklin has [batted so well he's] pulled the stumps out twice in a row," Bracewell said. "I think that's signalled a real shift forward for him as a cricketer.
"He's a genuine quality all-rounder."
Bracewell will name his 30-man advanced World Cup squad on January 13, and needs to halve that by February 13, the deadline for naming his tournament 15.
The squads
Fourth ODI: Stephen Fleming (c), Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Peter Fulton, Daniel Vettori, Hamish Marshall, Craig McMillan, James Franklin, Andre Adams, Shane Bond, Mark Gillespie, Michael Mason, Jeetan Patel.
Tri-Series: Stephen Fleming (c), Brendon McCullum, Nathan Astle, Ross Taylor, Peter Fulton, Daniel Vettori, Hamish Marshall, Craig McMillan, James Franklin, Andre Adams, Shane Bond, Mark Gillespie, Michael Mason, Jeetan Patel.
Tri-Nations ODIs
New Zealand's fixtures
Jan 14: v Australia at Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Jan 16: v England at Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Jan 21: v Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney
Jan 23: v England at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Jan 28: v Australia at the Waca, Perth
Jan 30: v England at the Waca, Perth
Feb 4: v Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Feb 6: v England at the Gabba, Brisbane
Feb 9: First final at the MCG, Melbourne
Feb 11: Second final at the SCG, Sydney
Feb 13: Third final (if required), Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
