NZ pick six pacers in squad for Australia Tests

WELLINGTON: New Zealand has selected fast-bowling allrounders Jimmy Neesham and Corey Ande­rson along with four frontline quicks in its 15-man squad to play a three-Test series in Australia in November, inclu­ding cricket's first day-night test match.

Neesham displaces Neil Wagner in the only change to the squad that drew a two-Test series in England earlier this year.

Head coach Mike Hesson said Neesham and Anderson's ability to provide bowling support persuaded the selectors to include only four frontline pacemen Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Doug Bracewell and Matt Henry rather than five. Hesson and selection manager Gavin Larsen have emphasised consistency as New Zealand tries to build on its unbeaten record over its last seven Test series.

"A lot of our recent success has been based on the value of our No. 6 batsman bowling some overs and we're comfortable continuing in that vein," Hesson said.

"Rather than having an extra fast bowler not playing in Australia, we thought it more prudent for those in contention to remain in New Zealand and be playing domestic cricket."

Squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, B.J. Watling, Kane Williamson.