Cricket: Silence marks new test selections

Discarded NZ batsman Daniel Flynn. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand cricket coach Mark Greatbatch was left to do the bulk of the talking after three new caps were named for the one-off test against Bangladesh next week.

Just what Peter Ingram, Andy McKay and Neil Broom thought of their promotions was kept in-house because of a clause in the team's media protocol, which says they are free of media commitments for the day leading up to an international.

The announcement of the 13-strong test squad yesterday just happened to fall a day ahead of the third and final one-day international against Bangladesh, hence the silence.

But it would be safe to assume that Ingram, McKay and Broom are all thrilled to join the test ranks after catching the eyes of the national selectors by dent of their provincial service and, in McKay's case, winning over new friends during a brief spell in the national one-day squad.

Greatbatch said the cases of batsmen Ingram, 31, and Broom, came down to the weight of runs scored domestically in recent seasons.

Ingram, the Central Districts opener, who has scored 69 and 28 in his maiden one-day series against the tourists, will bat at No 3 behind Tim McIntosh and BJ Watling when the test starts at Seddon Park on Monday.

Martin Guptill has been moved from first drop to No 5, displacing left-hander Daniel Flynn, who has been discarded after averaging just 28 in 29 test innings.

While Flynn has been asked to go back to Northern Districts to work on his game, Ingram will be infused into the top order, which has been bordering on dysfunctional for some time.

While there are serious reservations about his technique, Greatbatch said Ingram had the strength of character to make a good fist of his new job.

"As selectors, we've watched Peter closely and he is a good decision-maker, he leaves the ball well outside off stump," Greatbatch said.

"Obviously, he's going to get tested but we feel he's earned the right, he's a fair chance to contribute.

"He's found his game in the last three-four years, he's very hungry, mature and has good composure."

Greatbatch appeared comfortable about issues surrounding Ingram's limited footwork, which could be cruelly exposed at test level.

"It comes down to where he moves them (feet), what shape he gets into and how good a decision-maker he is.

"Sachin Tendulkar doesn't move his feet a lot but he's very successful. He gets them in the right place and makes the right decision."

NZ test squad
Dan Vettori (captain), Tim McIntosh, BJ Watling, Peter Ingram, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Neil Broom, Brendon McCullum, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee, Andy McKay, Chris Martin, Jeetan Patel.

- NZPA