Cricket: Ronchi earns call-up while Vettori returns

Former Australian wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi is poised for his New Zealand debut on the upcoming tour of England.

Dannevirke-born Ronchi, who played T20 and ODIs for Australia several seasons ago, has usurped test wicketkeeper BJ Watling in the 15-man squad for the three ODIs against England and the following Champions Trophy.

Former captain Dan Vettori is back for the same leg of the tour, as is left arm quick Mitchell McClenaghan, who made a big impact this summer on his first appearance in the national team before injuring his side in an ODI against England in Hamilton in February.

In the test squad, veteran Wellington seamer Mark Gillespie has won back his place after not being required over the just-completed season.

''We included him in the New Zealand XI game (against England) in Queenstown and he's certainly a very skillful bowler," coach and selector Mike Hesson said today.

''We sent Mark away with some work-ons, including fitness and he's made good progress in that area. His skill set certainly suits English conditions."

The test group is largely predictable, Tom Latham winning a place after being part of the test group against England through March.

All 11 players who played all three tests against England are in the squad, supplemented by Martin Guptill, Doug Bracewell, Gillespie and Tom Latham.

''We're very pleased with the skills Tom brings, especially to the longer form at the moment," Hesson said.

''Most likely he'll keep at some stage in the early games. Theoretically we've got three keepeers on tour, but BJ Watling remains our No 1 test keeper."

Hesson was pleased to have Vettori back in the fold, after a long layoff with an Achilles injury.

''He's progressed really well. We took quite a conservative approach in terms of his return.

''His Achilles is certainly getting a workout and it's great to have him back," Hesson said.

NEW ZEALAND SQUADS

Tests: Brendon McCullum ©, Peter Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, BJ Watling, Doug Bracewell, Bruce Martin, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Mark Gillespie.

ODI/Champions Trophy: McCullum ©, Guptill, Luke Ronchi, Williamson, Taylor, Grant Elliott, James Franklin, Colin Munro, Dan Vettori, Nathan McCullum, Andrew Ellis, Southee, Kyle Mills, Boult, Mitch McClenaghan.

Schedule:

May 4-6: NZ v Derbyshire
May 9-12: NZ v England Lions at Leicester
May 16-20: First test, Lords
May 24-8: Second test, Leeds

ODIs:

May 31; Lords
June 2: Southampton
June 5: Nottingham

Champions Trophy:

June 9: v Sri Lanka, Cardiff
June 12: v Australia, Edgbaston
June 16: v England, Cardiff