14 Jan 2011

Franklin in Black Caps playing XI for Wellington Test?

7:03 pm on 14 January 2011

In and out of the New Zealand cricket squad for the past few years batting all-rounder James Franklin appears set to be given another chance on the big stage with captain Daniel Vettori hinting the Wellingtonian may make the Black Caps 11 for the second Test against Pakistan starting at the Basin Reserve on Saturday.

On Thursday coach John Wright confirmed Franklin's stocks were on the rise suggesting the rejuvenated all-rounder could enter the frame as a fourth pace-bowling option and a top-six batsman as the Black Caps look to exploit a bouncy Basin Reserve pitch full of runs.

Franklin's chances have received another boost with Vettori indicating the Firebirds star is in line to play just his second home Test for the Black Caps in four years.