Cricket: NZ squad unchanged to face Australia

12.00pm

New Zealand selectors have retained the same 14-man squad who convincingly beat Bangladesh to face Australia in their two-test cricket series later this month.

The squad, to be captained by Stephen Fleming, features the same players who easily beat Bangladesh 2-0 in the test series that finished last week.

Selection panel manager Sir Richard Hadlee said continuity had been a major factor is retaining the same players.

"The squad has been working well as a team and have done what has been asked of them -- to win and win well," Hadlee said in a statement.

Experienced pace bowler Daryl Tuffey was not considered ready for a return to test cricket due to injury .

He will play in games for the New Zealand Academy team, starting on Wednesday, as part of his rehabilitation, with a view to assessing his fitness ahead of the three-match one-day series in Australia in early December.

Hadlee said Paul Wiseman had been retained as a second spin bowler with Daniel Vettori as conditions at the Adelaide Oval traditionally favoured spinners.

Hamish Marshall had once again been named ahead of the more experienced Craig McMillan.

"Marshall has done the job asked of him, even though he has had just one test innings in Bangladesh," Hadlee said.

"With Michael Papps injured, we have confidence in Mathew Sinclair and it makes sense for him to open the innings. It is good for Sinclair to have the opportunity to continue on from where he left off in the tests against Bangladesh."

Hadlee said the players would be aware of the enormous step up in intensity needed to face the world No 1 Australians, fresh from clinching their first series win in India in 35 years.

"It is one of the biggest challenges in cricket to play Australia, the world champions, on their home soil and the Black Caps are very much looking forward to the challenge ahead of them," he said.

Meanwhile, Ross Dykes will continue in the role of acting team manager for the Australian tour, with Black Caps general manager Lindsay Crocker set to rejoin the team for the home series' against Sri Lanka and Australia early next year.

New Zealand squad:

Stephen Fleming (captain), Mark Richardson, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Nathan Astle, Hamish Marshall, Brendan McCullum, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Paul Wiseman, Ian Butler, Chris Martin.

- NZPA