ODI hero Martin Guptill recalled to New Zealand Test squad
Martin Guptill, the leading run scorer in the recent World Cup, has
not been required for Test duty since playing the last of his 31
internationals on the New Zealand tour to England in 2013.
Wellington: The return of World Cup star Martin Guptill and a call-up
for fast-bowler Matt Henry headlined the New Zealand Test squad named on
Saturday for the series against England starting next month.Guptill, the
leading run scorer in the recent World Cup, has not been required for
Test duty since playing the last of his 31 internationals on the New
Zealand tour to England in 2013. (Also read: Martin Crowe hails brave
Guptill)He has two centuries to his name, including a highest score of
189 and has a batting average of 29.62."
Martin's a classically-styled batsman and there's really no reason
why he can't be as influential in the longer game as he is in the
short," coach Mike Hesson said when naming the team.However, although
included in the 15-man squad, the ODI opener is not assured of breaking
into the starting XI and Hesson said he would have a chance to stake his
claim in warm-up games against Somerset and Worcester."
This is a stable, established Test side but there will be
opportunities for contenders," Hesson said, with Hamish Rutherford and
Tom Latham the incumbent openers.
Henry, who was thrust into the World Cup squad for the last two games
following injury to Adam Milne, breaks into the Test squad through
injury to James Neesham."It's another step up for Matt but we've been
impressed by the maturity and skill-set he's already shown in the ODI
format," Hesson said.Given conditions expected in England in May and
June, Mark Craig is the sole specialist spinner selected.
Following the retirements of Daniel Vettori and Kyle Mills after the
World Cup, in which New Zealand were beaten by seven wickets by
Australia in the final, all-rounder Mitchell Santner is the one-newcomer
to the ODI squad, with Milne also returning.
The 23-year-old Santner averaged 36.22 with the bat during New
Zealand's recent domestic season and took 11 wickets with his left-arm
orthodox spin.
Wicketkeeper BJ Watling will captain the side in the warm-up games
while Brendon McCullum completes Indian Premier League commitments.
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