Arnel set for Black Caps test debut

New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori has hinted at a debut for Northern Districts seamer Brent Arnel in tomorrow's first test against Australia in Wellington.

Vettori said pitch conditions at the Basin Reserve meant the selection panel was leaning towards tall right-armer Arnel, 30, ahead of spinner Jeetan Patel.

"The nature of the pitch brings Brent Arnel into the equation. We'll have a good hard look at it tomorrow, it will have a bit of drying today but it's probably going to be a typical Wellington wicket; a little bit in it early on then flattens out to a really good test match wicket," Vettori said at his pre-match press-conference.

"He (Arnel) has been waiting in the wings for a while and been involved in a few squads. Hopefully if he does get the nod then he is ready. He's been bowling really well and that's the main thing."

Arnel, who has 106 first-class wickets at 24.05, would be the fourth paceman in the side along with Chris Martin, Tim Southee and Daryl Tuffey.

It would mean one change from New Zealand's 121-run win over Bangladesh in Hamilton last month, with Arnel replacing Patel.

The batting lineup would remain the same, with Peter Ingram to bat No 3, Vettori at No 6 and the recalled Mathew Sinclair released to play for Central Districts in the Plunket Shield.

Vettori said preparations had gone as well as possible this week but admitted they were clear underdogs against Ricky Ponting's Australians.

"Australia have been one of the form test teams for a while and they've played some really good test cricket.

"Our test cricket hasn't been that great of late although we played well against Pakistan. We're hoping the good performances against Pakistan can translate against Australia."

Likely New Zealand team: Daniel Vettori (captain), Tim McIntosh, BJ Watling, Peter Ingram, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee, Brent Arnel, Chris Martin.

- NZPA