Cricket: Ingram's runs put him in test frame

Peter Ingram could build on his test experience. Photo / Getty Images

Those championing a promotion for rising teenage talent Kane Williamson for next week's first test against Australia are in for a disappointment.

But don't be surprised if Central Districts' Peter Ingram, dropped for the final two ODIs, gets another chance when the test squad is revealed today.

There are good arguments to leave Ingram out. In his test debut against Bangladesh, he made 42 - and should have gone on from there - and a scratchy 13.

But the Australians worked him over during the Twenty20-ODI part of their visit. They won't have forgotten their mental notes if the 31-year-old with limited footwork is retained in the problematic No 3 spot.

And yet, Ingram's case initially for test inclusion was stronger than for the shorter versions. He has been a prolific first-class runmaker in the last few seasons and deserved his chance.

New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch - one of the selection panel with captain Dan Vettori and Glenn Turner - hinted yesterday that Ingram might get another chance.

"We've got to be consistent and give guys an opportunity, some time to see whether they're good enough at that level," he said.

"Peter's still in the frame. He's quite an experienced, mature guy."

Options? For starters, two 34-year-olds, whose last tests were in 2008, CD's Mathew Sinclair and Otago captain Craig Cumming.

Both have been making runs, but Sinclair has had his problems against Australia.

Of the two short-term fixes, Cumming has greater appeal. He is past the days of sweating on selections, has moved on with his life and is unlikely to be bothered by nerves.

A test average of 25.94 from 11 games is not flash. Sinclair is at 32.55 from 32 tests but his tendency to be creasebound doesn't help his case.

Then there's the prolific Williamson, a former national under-19 captain with a good head on his shoulders.

The Northern Districts allrounder is uncommonly talented, and bowls decent offspin too.

Greatbatch yesterday made it plain Williamson must wait.

"He's playing well again this season. He's learning, and you want a player to have good learning experiences, success and not so good."

A winter tour with New Zealand A is likely to be his next experience, however all the signs are if, not when, Williamson makes the jump.

Other batting contenders likely to have been mentioned round the selection table yesterday are Canterbury's Shanan Stewart - who has 161 not out and 227 not out as his last two Plunket Shield scores and averages 75.87 this season - and Neil Broom, part of the recent ODI furniture and 12th man in the Bangladesh test last month. He's hit three shield centuries this summer and is averaging 83.42.

The bowlers largely pick themselves. Vettori will have to decide if he wants to stay at No 6 or drop down, which will determine whether another specialist batsman is required.

James Franklin might make the 13, if not the final XI, as bits and pieces man.

POSSIBLE SQUAD

A New Zealand 13 for first test:

Dan Vettori (c), Tim McIntosh, BJ Watling, Peter Ingram, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, James Franklin, Jeetan Patel, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee, Brent Arnel, Chris Martin.