Cricket: Trio of test rookies in batting line-up

Brent Arnel could win his first test cap today after being called in to replace Andy McKay. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The form at the top of both New Zealand departments will attract keenest interest when their single test against Bangladesh starts in Hamilton today.

There is a grand total of 11 tests among New Zealand's first three batsmen, with Tim McIntosh's 10 making him Old Father Time in comparison to fledgling BJ Watling and new cap Peter Ingram.

While McIntosh doubtless won't use the "in my day, son" line to his mates, the trio will be desperate to make the most of their one last opportunity before their two tests against Australia next month.

While Bangladesh's new ball attack held few terrors in the 3-0 ODI series loss, tests, with their different rhythms and strategies, will present another type of examination for New Zealand's top order.

"It's a tough ask and a perennial challenge for New Zealand sides," captain Dan Vettori said yesterday.

"These three have the opportunity now and Tim and BJ played well in their last test [against Pakistan in Napier before Christmas] so we're hoping for more of the same, and for Peter to continue his one-day form."

Although left-arm bowler Andy McKay is out with a foot injury, there might still be a second new cap alongside Ingram today, with Brent Arnel called in and Vettori making it clear New Zealand will field five bowlers.

That's bad news for Neil Broom, who was looking at a debut at No 6. Vettori confirmed he'll bat in that spot, leaving four bowling positions below wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum in the batting order.

There was a hint that the second spinner, Wellington offspinner Jeetan Patel, will be considered, but a four-pronged pace attack of Chris Martin, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee and Arnel is a possibility.

And what of Bangladesh, who have won just three of their 63 tests since November 2000? There have been encouraging recent signs.

In July they beat the West Indies 2-0 in the Caribbean - although that West Indian mob would have struggled in a senior club competition - and were then highly competitive against India on home turf.

Left-hand opener Tamim Iqbal has hit two centuries in those four tests; wicketkeeper Mushfiqur hit his debut ton against the Indians and middle order batsman Mahmadullah has made a solid start to his test career, too.

But New Zealand conditions must be taken into account. If the ball is seaming and swinging under cloud cover this morning, New Zealand will fancy their chances of early inroads.

Bangladesh will most likely prefer to bowl first if they get the chance, no matter the weather, partly because they will feel that's their best way of their players getting into the contest.

They will want to stay with New Zealand as deep into the test as they can. Unless conditions are superb for batting, that will come by sending their hosts in. Sixty for six at lunch and they'll be toast.

Test teams:

New Zealand v Bangladesh
Seddon Park, noon start

* New Zealand: (from) Dan Vettori (c), Tim McIntosh, BJ Watling, Peter Ingram, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Neil Broom, Brendon McCullum, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel, Brent Arnel, Chris Martin.

* Bangladesh: Shakib al Hasan (c), Tamim Iqbal, Imran Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Aftab Ahmed, Mahmudullah, Raqibul Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Naeem Islam.