Print

Mail

wiki links

New Zealand drop Bell and Sinclair for tour of England

New Zealand have dumped Matthew Bell and Mathew Sinclair, stuck by "wild child" Jesse Ryder and named one new face in a revamped batting line up for their cricket tour of England starting this month.

The Test and one-day squads also include the recall of James Marshall after three years in the wilderness, while Peter Fulton, who has struggled with form and injuries in recent months, is also back in the frame.

Selection panel manager Richard Hadlee said they had taken a long-term view with the squads.

"These squads signal the future for the Black Caps and there are a number of exciting selections," he said.

The rejection of Bell and Sinclair was not surprising after they struggled through the recent home series against England where New Zealand lost the Test series 1-2 after earlier winning the one-day internationals 3-1.

Although opener Bell scored 69 in New Zealand's fruitless second innings run chase in the final Test, it was not enough to eradicate memories of three previous ducks and a series average of only 19.50.

Aaron Redmond, who averages 31.66 in domestic first-class cricket, becomes New Zealand's latest opener.

"We hope he can provide a long-term solution to the top order, which we recognize as still being a key issue," Hadlee said.

Daniel Flynn is the new middle order option in place of Sinclair who averaged just 11.83 against England.

It is the first time Flynn has been named in a New Zealand Test squad but he was briefly included in the recent Twenty20 and one-day international series.

Explosive left-hander Ryder starred in the one-day series against England, but was then ruled out of the Tests after injuring his hand during a drunken incident.

He has been selected for the limited overs segment of the tour subject to a medical clearance.

If he is not fit then Fulton will take his place in the one-day squad.

In New Zealand's bowling line up Mark Gillespie and Michael Mason are both included in the five-match one-day squad with one to be added to the Test line up.

Allrounder Grant Elliott will cover for New Zealand's Indian Premier League contingent at the start of the tour.
This story has been viewed 810 times.