Two late withdrawals from the World XI cricket team have officially paved the way for a former New Zealand international to face the Black Caps in three one dayers, starting on Saturday.
Former New Zealand batsman Craig Spearman has been drafted into the invitation side, following the late withdrawal of Zimbabwean Andy Flower and Australian Michael Bevan.
Bevan has been picked to captain Australia's Prime Minister's 11 against Pakistan on Tuesday.
He will not be replaced as he was only playing in the Hamilton match.
New Zealand Cricket CEO Martin Snedden said Spearman has plenty of incentive to perform well as he becomes available for England at the end of this year, so can use the opportunity to further his international career.
He said he may also be spurred on by facing his old teammates.
Snedden said as far as he is aware all other international players are ready to play, arriving here Thursday or Friday. Although some of the players are out of season they are all fit, he said.
There has been a good response to the three one day charity matches, with 25 thousand tickets sold in just under one week.
Snedden says with good weather and good ticket sales they are expecting some big crowd numbers.
- NEWSTALK ZB
Cricket: Spearman called up for World XI
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