The New Zealand Test squad to play England in a two-match series starting next month has been named, with Auckland batsman Martin Guptill returning, while Canterbury fast bowler Matt Henry gets a call-up.
Guptill last played a Test on the corresponding tour of England in 2013 but fell out of favour for the longer form of the game after a dismal match in Leeds, when he scored one and three in his two innings.
But Guptill scored the most runs of any batsman at the recent one day World Cup, including a match-winning knock of 237 in the quarter-final against the West Indies.
Martin Guptill salutes the Wellington Stadium crowd after bringing up his double century. Photo: Photosport
And Black Caps coach and selector Mike Hesson says Guptill can cover several batting positions and would have a chance to further his claims during the two warm-up games ahead of the opening Test.
"This is a stable, established Test side but there will be opportunities for contenders," Hesson says.
"Martin's a classically-styled batsman and there's really no reason why he can't be as influential in the longer game as he is in the short."
Hesson says Henry, who received his chance partly because of the unavailability of the injured James Neesham, is ready for the challenge.
"It's another step up for Matt but we've been impressed by the maturity and skill-set he's already shown in the ODI format."
Matt Henry is in line for his Test debut Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Given conditions expected in England in May and June, Mark Craig is the sole specialist spinner selected.
In the absence of those players with Indian Premier League commitments, BJ Watling will be captain in the warm-up games against Somerset and Worcester, while pace bowlers Jacob Duffy (Otago) and Ben Wheeler (Central Districts), and all-rounder Mitchell Santner (Northern Districts) will join the squad.
Santner is the only uncapped player selected in the one day and Twenty20 squad.
The 23-year-old left-hander averaged 36.22 with the bat during the most recent Ford Trophy season and took 11 wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin.
"Mitchell brings to the table some all-round cover," says Hesson. "We're hoping he can take his opportunities and continue the excellent progress he's been making over recent seasons."
New Zealand - Test squad
Brendon McCullum (Otago, captain)
Corey Anderson (Northern Districts)
Trent Boult (Northern Districts)
Doug Bracewell (Central Districts)
Mark Craig (Otago)
Martin Guptill (Auckland)
Matt Henry (Canterbury)
Tom Latham (Canterbury)
Luke Ronchi (Wellington)
Hamish Rutherford (Otago)
Tim Southee (Northern Districts)
Ross Taylor (Central Districts)
Neil Wagner (Otago)
BJ Watling (Northern Districts)
Kane Williamson (Northern Districts)
New Zealand - one day and Twenty20 squad:
Brendon McCullum (Otago, captain)
Corey Anderson (Northern Districts)
Trent Boult (Northern Districts)
Grant Elliott (Wellington)
Martin Guptill (Auckland)
Matt Henry (Canterbury)
Tom Latham (Canterbury)
Mitchell McClenaghan (Auckland Aces)
Nathan McCullum (Otago)
Adam Milne (Central Districts)
Luke Ronchi (Wellington)
Mitchell Santner (Northern Districts)
Tim Southee (Northern Districts)
Ross Taylor (Central Districts)
Kane Williamson (Northern Districts)
New Zealand schedule for England tour:
vs Somerset, Taunton Vale, May 8-11
vs Worcester, New Road, May 14-17
vs England, First Test, Lord's, May 21-25
vs England, Second Test, Headingly, May 29-June 2
vs Leicester, Grace Road, June 6
vs England, First ODI, Edgbaston, June 9
vs England, Second ODI, Kia Oval, June 12
vs England, Third ODI, Rose Bowl, June 14
vs England, Fourth ODI, Trent Bridge, June 17
vs England, Fifth ODI, Riverside, June 20
vs England, T20I, Old Trafford, June 23
