Off-song New Zealand revamped for West Indies series

CRICKET: WELLINGTON, Dec 6 - The New Zealand cricket selectors have taken the axe to the Black Caps following their two-Test flop in Australia, making four changes for the West Indies series which starts next week.

Spearhead bowler Chris Martin and the promising Tim Southee have both been dropped as has opener Aaron Redmond and middle-order batsman Peter Fulton.

Redmond, who has struggled in most of his seven Test starts, makes way for Tim McIntosh, a 29-year-old left-hander, who has made an impressive start to the New Zealand domestic season.

He also scored 78 on Friday against the West Indies in their series warm-up match against Auckland.

Fit-again allrounders James Franklin and Jacob Oram have predictably been recalled while Mark Gillespie replaces Martin with the new ball and offspinner Jeetan Patel has been included as specialist back up to captain Daniel Vettori.

"Mark Gillespie has shown good recent form, bowling a lot of overs and taking eight wickets in his last match - he becomes our strike bowler in this series," head selector Glenn Turner said.

Turner said Martin would play in the domestic competition in an effort to build his fitness levels after injury.

The first Test against the West Indies, New Zealand's first match under new coach Andy Moles, starts in Dunedin on December 11.

New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori, Jamie How, Tim McIntosh, Daniel Flynn, Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, James Franklin, Mark Gillespie, Iain O'Brien, Jeetan Patel. (AFP)