New Zealand have put a focus on pace in the naming of their squad today to prepare for the first cricket test against Australia starting in Brisbane on November 21.
The 15-man squad features five specialist pace bowlers while there is no room for spin bowler Jeetan Patel,
leaving captain Daniel Vettori as the sole spinner.
The squad named is for the first test only, meaning Patel may well be in the selection frame for the second and final test in Adelaide from November 28.
Coach John Bracewell has stayed true to the squad who won the recent two-test series in Bangladesh 1-0.
Bracewell's pace bowling options are Chris Martin, Tim Southee, Iain O'Brien, Kyle Mills and Mark Gillespie.
Missing is injured allrounder Jacob Oram courtesy of a back injury, with Grant Elliott his obvious replacement.
Only 13 of the squad will travel to Brisbane, with batsman Peter Fulton to remain in New Zealand to play domestic cricket.
Backup wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins will leave for Brisbane on the eve of the test as cover for Brendon McCullum in case of injury.
New Zealand will play a four-day warmup match against New South Wales in Sydney starting on Thursday next week.
Black Caps
Daniel Vettori (captain), Aaron Redmond, Jamie How, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Peter Fulton, Daniel Flynn, Brendon McCullum, Grant Elliott, Gareth Hopkins, Tim Southee, Iain O'Brien, Kyle Mills, Mark Gillespie, Chris Martin.
- NZPA
