Cricket: New opening pair for Black Caps

Hamish Marshall

CENTURION - The Black Caps are to experiment with yet another combination at the top of the order in the first test against South Africa starting tomorrow.

In the team announced overnight, Peter Fulton has been promoted a spot and will open with Hamish Marshall.

Neither Michael Papps or Jamie How will feature in the first of three tests against the Proteas. Marshall's respectable average of 41.30 saved him from being supplanted by How or Papps despite a meagre return against the West Indies.

Incumbent How, who averaged 19 from his debut series against the Windies, is the casualty while Papps failed to press his claims after a 13-month lay-off by making just six against the Rest of South Africa last week.

Although coach John Bracewell maintained specialist openers would be persevered with it is little surprise the impressive Fulton -- who averages 40 after his introduction to test cricket against the West Indies -- was called on as the latest option.

His elevation allows the Black Caps to field a vastly experienced middle order.

Stephen Fleming -- who will become the first New Zealander to play 100 tests -- Scott Styris and Nathan Astle should be able to steady the innings in the event of early wickets falling.

Meanwhile, Jacob Oram's much-heralded return from injury to fill the allrounder's spot is expected to add solidity -- and a valuable medium pace bowling option.

The bowling arsenal is predictable though speedster Shane Bond has not yet been given the all clear from a knee injury and will need to prove his fitness at the team's final training session tomorrow.

Kyle Mills is on standby should Bond not come through a final net session.

He bowled at a lively pace today, winging Fulton on the shoulder early in the session, and remained confident of playing.

South Africa trained for the first time today and although captain Graeme Smith batted for 30 minutes in the nets an injured finger is still causing concern and his involvement will also not be confirmed until the Proteas train again tomorrow.

New Zealand:
Hamish Marshall, Peter Fulton, Stephen Fleming (captain), Scott Styris, Nathan Astle, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills (12th man).

- NZPA