Surprises in NZ cricket test side

Fairfax Media

NEW CAPS: Ross Taylor, left, and Mark Gillespie are to set to make their test cricket debuts after being named in the Black Caps squad to tour South Africa next month.

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Lou Vincent, James Franklin, Jamie How and Craig McMillan are notable names missing from New Zealand cricket's test team to tour South Africa next month.

How was the incumbent opener, but his position has gone to Michael Papps through sheer weight run-scoring numbers, according to coach John Bracewell.

"The selectors are looking to form a quality opening partnership," Bracewell said today.

"Craig Cumming is the incumbent and is acknowledged as a quality player of pace, while Michael Papps is being rewarded after an excellent domestic season.

"James Franklin was not included due to knee injury, and it's hoped he will be fit enough to be considered for the ODI team."

The squad features the selection of Ross Taylor and Mark Gillespie who are yet to make their test debuts and the return of Kyle Mills from a serious knee injury.

Mills was named in a pace battery spearheaded by Shane Bond that also includes Michael Mason, Chris Martin and Gillespie.

Vincent and McMillan are likely to feature when the team to play three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games after the short test series is named next week.

New Zealand, to be captained in a test series by Daniel Vettori for the first time, have never won a series in South Africa.

On their most recent meeting in the republic in March-April 2006, South Africa claimed the three-test series 2-0.

Bracewell said the team will leave for South Africa on October 18 and play two preparatory matches against South Africa A before the two match test series begins.

"The team for the ODI section of the tour will be announced following the New Zealand selection team tour to Queensland"

The team is:

- © Fairfax NZ News