Cricket: Taylor takes over Black Caps' captaincy

Ross Taylor will lead the Black Caps against Srilanka and India next month. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A new-look New Zealand team was named today to take on Sri Lanka and India in a tri-nations one-day cricket series in July in Sri Lanka.

Black Caps coach Mark Greatbatch said the team featured a new captain in Ross Taylor, a new vice-captain and the return of Grant Elliott and Jesse Ryder from injury.

Regular captain Daniel Vettori would not be going to Sri Lanka as the tour coincided with the birth of his second child.

"He'll also use this period to continue with his conditioning programme in preparation for the rigorous international schedule ahead," Greatbatch said.

Taylor will captain the team in Vettori's absence, with all-rounder Kyle Mills vice-captain of the team to Sri Lanka.

Wicket keeper Brendon McCullum is also not travelling to Sri Lanka.

"He has played over 200 consecutive games for New Zealand and with a significant schedule ahead that culminates with a World Cup early next year, NZC believes it appropriate that McCullum spends the time reconditioning in New Zealand," Greatbatch said.

McCullum is also expecting the birth of his second child in July.

Elliott returns to the team after a lengthy period out of the game with injury, and Ryder is back after having suffered an elbow injury during the World T20 in the West Indies in May.

Greatbatch said youngster Kane Williamson had been rewarded for some excellent domestic first class one-day form with his first tour for the Black Caps.

Jeetan Patel returned to the side as a replacement for Vettori, and Greatbatch said the sub-continent pitches and should really suit the Wellington off-spinner's bowling.

Vettori's absence gave Taylor a perfect opportunity to further develop his captaincy skills.

"Ross was vice-captain for a portion of last season and did a great job leading the Black Caps to victory against Australia in Napier earlier in the year when Daniel was injured," Greatbatch said.

Taylor said being asked to lead his country was a real honour, and the tour was a good opportunity for players to experience sub-continent conditions, particularly with the World Cup less than nine months away.

New Zealand squad: Ross Taylor (captain), Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Nathan McCullum, Andy McKay, Kyle Mills (vice-captain), Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.

- NZPA