Cricket: Harris and Larsen earn recall

By Richard Boock

Rookie opening batsman Matthew Bell will sit out the one-day series against India but could still figure in test calculations when South Africa tours next month.

The 21-year-old missed the cut yesterday when the New Zealand selectors announced their 12-strong squad for the first two one-dayers, which will be played in Taupo on Saturday night, and Napier the following Tuesday night.

Of the test 12, he and off-spinner Paul Wiseman were the only players to be over-looked as the panel recalled seasoned one-day exponents Chris Harris and Gavin Larsen - both specialists at bowling through the 15 to 40-over stage.

Bell had a torrid introduction to test cricket, scoring 4, 0, 0 and 25 in the Bank of New Zealand series against India, as well as struggling in the mini World Cup at Dhaka earlier in the season.

Convener of selectors Ross Dykes said yesterday the right-hander was still very much in the frame for South Africa, and although no assurances could be given, the panel hoped he would retain his test berth.

"We said when we picked Matthew that he deserved a long-term opportunity," Dykes said yesterday. "But it's a big ask for him to play in these one-dayers.

"We'd like him to return to domestic cricket. There's no guarantees that we'll pick him for South Africa, but I know we'd like to."

As expected, Roger Twose will shuffle up the order to replace Bell as Matt Horne's opening partner, with Harris slotting back in around No 6 and Larsen rejoining the tail.

Harris and Larsen can both bowl through the middle of the innings, using their slowness through the air to good effect, while Harris - apart from being one of the world's premier fieldsmen - has a match-winning ability with the bat.

He was not required for test duty against India, but was an automatic choice for the one-day side, as was Larsen after making a full recovery from injury.

"We're very happy with Gavin Larsen's build-up," Dykes said. "He's certainly fit and satisfied with his own fitness, so we had few qualms about bringing him straight back in."

The idea of using a second spinner at Taupo and McLean Park was apparently not considered for too long, particularly against this Indian side, leaving Wiseman surplus to requirements, and Geoff Allott in the squad as a strike-bowler.

The Kiwis have a few fitness problems with Daniel Vettori (bruised finger), Dion Nash (back spasm) and Simon Doull (heat-stroke) but all are expected to be available for the Taupo match.

New Zealand: 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.