The New Zealand cricket selectors have included both all rounders Corey Anderson and James Nessham in their 15-man squad for the Test series in Australia in November and December.
Corey Anderson bats during the first Investec Test Match between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground, London. Photo: Photosport
Coach Mike Hesson and selector Gavin Larsen have settled on an experienced touring party, containing no new caps for the Tests in Brisbane and Perth - and the historic day/night showdown in Adelaide.
The 15-man squad contains two all-rounders; four front-line pace bowlers - Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Doug Bracewell - just one spinner, Mark Craig, and two wicketkeepers, BJ Watling and Luke Ronchi.
Hesson said Anderson's and Neesham's ability to offer value at the bowling crease persuaded the selectors to carry four, rather than five, front line fast bowlers as the Black Caps prepare to renew their Test campaign - after seven consecutive series without defeat.
"A lot of our recent success has been based on the value of our number six batsman bowling some overs, and we're comfortable continuing in that vein," Hesson said.
"Rather than having an extra fast bowler not playing in Australia, we thought it more prudent for those in contention to remain in New Zealand and be playing domestic cricket."
Luke Ronchi bats during the second Investec Test Match between England and New Zealand at Headingley, Leeds. Photo: Photosport
Luke Ronchi, who performed strongly for the Black Caps during their most recent Test - the win against England at Leeds, has retained his place in the squad as the back-up gloveman to BJ Watling.
"This is a tour in which we spend quite a lot of time on the west coast of Australia and, given what happened to BJ's knee in England, it seems wise to have options close at hand."
Hesson and Larsen also named the New Zealand 'A' four-day and one-day squads to meet Sri Lanka 'A' in Lincoln and at Hagley Oval next month - matches which ensure the bulk of New Zealand Cricket's best players will be in action ahead of the Test series in Australia.
"It makes sense to have our fringe Test players included in these matches," explains Hesson.
"It's good to keep them involved in high level cricket, especially on the cusp of the tour to Australia. We know at some stage someone will be required - that's the attritional nature of a three-match Test series."
The New Zealand 'A' one-day squad will play four matches against Sri Lanka 'A' on 5, 7,10 and 13 October, while the four-day squad will square off in two matches, from 17-20 and 24-27 October.
Hamish Rutherford will play in the New Zealand 'A' one-day team for the first two matches before departing for the Black Caps' pink ball trial in Hamilton on 8-9 October.
George Worker, Michael Pollard, Tom Blundell, Ish Sodhi and Andrew Mathieson will be available for the opening round of Plunket Shield starting October 15th.
New Zealand Test squad to Australia 2015:
Brendon McCullum (captain)
Corey Anderson
Trent Boult
Doug Bracewell
Mark Craig
Martin Guptill
Matt Henry
Tom Latham
James Neesham
Luke Ronchi
Hamish Rutherford
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
BJ Watling
Kane Williamson
New Zealand 'A' one-day squad:
Tom Blundell
Michael Bracewell
Jacob Duffy
Andrew Mathieson
Henry Nicholls
Ed Nuttall
Michael Pollard
Hamish Rutherford
Mitchell Santner
Ish Sodhi
Ben Wheeler
George Worker
Will Young
New Zealand 'A' four-day squad:
Todd Astle
Michael Bracewell
Dean Brownlie
Derek de Boorder
Jacob Duffy
Colin Munro
Henry Nicholls
Ed Nuttall
Jeet Raval
Mitchell Santner
Neil Wagner
Ben Wheeler
Will Young
