Cricket: Changes unlikely in NZ squad

By Richard Boock

HAMILTON - The New Zealand cricket selectors will resist the urge to make dramatic changes today when they name their side for the one-day series against India.

The 12-strong squad, which will head for Taupo immediately after this third test match, is set to feature the recall of Chris Harris and Gavin Larsen, and the omission of test players Mathew Bell and Paul Wiseman.

More changes might have been made had genuine contenders been waiting in the wings. Adam Parore, Chris Cairns and Daniel Vettori have all struggled for consistency, but the selectors are expected to pass a vote of confidence in the incumbents when the squad is named this morning.

Parore went a long way towards finding some form at the batting crease in Hamilton yesterday, and while Cairns' and Vettori's bowling is causing big concerns in the Kiwi camp, selectors Ross Dykes, Rick Pickard and Steve Rixon are unlikely to find any candidates with better credentials.

Larsen pulled out of the Australian tour last summer with a stress fracture in his foot, and has only just proved his fitness in time to be considered - playing for Wellington against India last month and in all three rounds of the Shell Cup.

The 36-year-old medium-pacer has the experience of 95 wickets and 101 one-dayers under his belt, and for most of his career has stood out as one of New Zealand's most parsimonious bowlers.

It was never in doubt that Harris would be recalled, particularly after Nathan Astle's injury and Bell's struggle in the test arena. Harris, New Zealand's most economical bowler in one-dayers last season, played in all 28 matches and bowled by far the most overs.

The 29-year-old Cantabrian also proved a pivotal figure in the New Zealand middle-order last season, setting a world record after remaining undefeated in eight successive one-dayers.

The likelihood of Bell being dropped from the one-day side means Twose will probably open the batting with Matt Horne, with Harris shuffling down to his favoured No 6 slot, behind Stephen Fleming, Craig McMillan and Cairns.

New Zealand (probable): Stephen Fleming (captain), Matt Horne, Roger Twose, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Adam Parore, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori, Gavin Larsen, Simon Doull, Geoff Allott.