Cricket: Tough juggling act for NZ selectors

Mathew Sinclair is in line for a test recall at the expense of Peter Ingram. Photo / Getty Images

Exciting youngster Kane Williamson has joined his New Zealand teammates in Hamilton as management scratch their heads over the best balance to compete with Australia in Saturday's second cricket test in Hamilton.

Having also rushed also rushed in James Franklin to bolster the squad late last night, coach Mark Greatbatch and captain Daniel Vettori have the tough task of deciding whom to omit.

Williamson, 19, replaced Daryl Tuffey (broken hand) in the squad, with the playing 11 likely to feature at least two changes while Australia are likely to improve further with Shane Watson (hip) tipped to replace Phil Hughes.

Batsman Mathew Sinclair, coming off his 30th first-class century on Tuesday, seems likely to come in for Peter Ingram while Williamson could lengthen the New Zealand batting at No 6 or No 7.

Greatbatch agreed Williamson's possible inclusion would bolster the batting order that folded for 157 in the first innings in Wellington then was 183 for five before Vettori's and Brendon McCullum's rescue acts.

"That's right, but let's not forget the batters didn't do their job well enough in the first innings. That's their job, they get paid to score runs. They did it in the second innings but not in the first," Greatbatch said.

"We had two bad sessions in the first six in the last test and you can't afford to do that against any side. We've got to start better and stay with Australia and compete for those first 2-3 days."

Franklin's callup came after the New Zealand team had an early look at the conditions at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday.

"There has been a lot of rain in Hamilton of late and it is fair to say that the conditions we saw today at Seddon Park are far different to those we experienced earlier in the season," Greatbatch said.

"We thought it prudent to have all our bases covered, and James does that for us."

Franklin has form behind him, coming off a century at Plunket Shield level against Canterbury this week.

His inclusion could spell bad news for spinner Jeetan Patel, who played in the 121-run win over Bangladesh at the same venue last month.

Williamson can also chime in with handy offspin, further boosting his credentials.

"He's definitely a batter first, but he bowls quite unique offspinners, a little bit more Asian-like so if he does play he could add value."

Williamson's Northern Districts coach, Grant Bradburn, said the teenager was definitely ready to face Doug Bollinger, Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson on his home patch.

"He's got a wonderful back foot game, he plays spin very well and he's got an outstanding defence. I think he'll be wonderful player in years to come," Bradburn said.

But the Australians will need to do their homework.

As the pacemen relaxed after a big night of celebration, Williamson's callup caught them by surprise, said Harris who marked an impressive test debut with six for 119 off 41 overs)

"I didn't even know his name until you said it. Never heard of him, but we'll do some homework on him and work out how we're going to get him out," Harris said.

"Actually, I think I saw his name the other day when he made some runs, which is obviously why he's been picked, but that's the only time I've heard of him."

- NZPA