KEY POINTS:
Matthew Bell and Mathew Sinclair's international cricket careers appear over after they were both ignored for the tour of England when test and one-day squads were named today.
Neither omission is surprising given their form in the home series against England, with Bell's last ditch 69 in his
final innings at Napier insufficient to seal his retention.
Sinclair, who earlier had an uninspiring series against Bangladesh, is again on the outer - this time possibly permanently - after he averaged just 11.83 as New Zealand lost last month's three-match rubber 2-1.
Bell, recalled after a six-year absence for the summer opener against Bangladesh, started promisingly with a century in his comeback innings in Dunedin but his form dropped off dramatically from then on.
He recorded three ducks in four innings against England and needed a half century in his last knock in the third test to lift his series average to 19.50.
Otago's Aaron Redmond has been selected as New Zealand's latest opener while Daniel Flynn has been cast as a middle order option following Sinclair's demise.
Redmond, who averages 31.66 from 66 first class matches is the only new face in the 16-man test squad while left hander Flynn has been earmarked since his was briefly included in the Twenty20 and ODI series against England.
James Marshall, who played the last of his five tests in Zimbabwe in 2005, earns a recall while Peter Fulton is also predictably back in the frame as a potential first drop after Stephen Fleming's retirement.
Jesse Ryder, who ruined his chances of playing in the home series against England after injuring his hand during a drunken incident in Christchurch after the ODI series in February, has been selected for the limited overs segment subject to a medical assessment closer to departure.
If he is not fit, Fulton will also play the ODI series.
While the batting unit has been significantly revamped, New Zealand's bowling attack remains largely unchanged.
Mark Gillespie and Michael Mason will be on trial from the outset with one to be added to test squad, though both are assured of play when the five-match ODI series starts on June 13.
Allrounder Grant Elliott, who made his test debut in the third test loss to England, will be available for the first two tour matches against the MCC on April 27 and Kent a day later as cover for New Zealand's Indian Premier League contingent.
Captain Daniel Vettori, his deputy Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Ross Taylor and Kyle Mills have been given permission to join the tour on May 1 to enable them to cash in on their lucrative Twenty20 deals.
They arrive a fortnight before the three test series starts at Lord's on May 15.
Selection panel manager Sir Richard Hadlee said these squads signal the future for the Black Caps.
Aaron (Redmond) has been one of the State Championship leading top-order batsmen for a number of seasons. He has consistently made runs from the opening position, averaging over 40 this year," Hadlee said.
"We hope he can provide a long-term solution to the top order, which we recognise as still being a key issue.
"Daniel Flynn was capped earlier this season in ODIs and his excellent form throughout the New Zealand summer in State Shield and State Championship is rewarded with inclusion in both teams.
"James Marshall is recalled after another excellent season in the State competitions.
The squads also includes wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins, who will provide back-up for Brendon McCullum.
The Black Caps play three test matches, two Twenty20 games and five one-dayers against England.
They then travel to Scotland for a tri-series against the hosts and Ireland in Aberdeen.
Test side
Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum (vice-captain), Daniel Flynn, Peter Fulton, Gareth Hopkins, Jamie How, James Marshall, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Aaron Redmond, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Mark Gillespie or Michael Mason to be added.
One-day side
Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum (vice-captain), Daniel Flynn, Mark Gillespie, Gareth Hopkins, Jamie How, Jacob Oram, Michael Mason, James Marshall, Kyle Mills, Jeetan Patel, Jeese Ryder, Scott Styris, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
Short term replacements for Indian Premier League players (until May 1): Michael Mason, Mark Gillespie, Grant Elliott.
- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF