Cricket: Three new caps in NZ test squad

Pace bowler Andy McKay has continued his meteoric rise with selection in the Black Caps test squad. Photo / Getty Images

Three uncapped players have been named in the New Zealand squad to contest the one-off test against Bangladesh starting in Hamilton on Monday.

Batsmen Peter Ingram and Neil Broom have been included, along with pace bowler Andy McKay in a squad of 13.

Otago middle order specialist Broom has replaced the out-of-form Daniel Flynn while Central Districts opener Ingram effectively comes in for injured Wellington allrounder Grant Elliot, who was 12th man for New Zealand's last test against Pakistan.

McKay, who like Ingram made his one-day international debut in the current series against Bangladesh, replaces retired seamer Iain O'Brien.

Selector and coach Mark Greatbatch said form played a key role in the changes.

"Peter Ingram has been picked based on the form he has shown in the longer versions of the game over the last three years of domestic cricket," he said in a statement.

"We always had an eye on him for the test matches, and this is his chance to step up. The top order is an important area where we need to improve and we want to see how Peter goes at the next level.

"Neil Broom has been picked on the weight of domestic runs he has scored."

Greatbatch indicated the selection of Ingram would see Martin Guptill shifted down the batting order from the first-drop role he served during the three-test pre-Christmas series against Pakistan.

"We feel that this is a more natural position for him (Guptill) and he is better suited there. He is a quality young player and he needs a chance to play longer innings."

Greatbatch said McKay had impressed in his first forays on the international stage.

"Andy McKay has been a big improver this year with Wellington. He took his opportunities in the ODI games he played against Bangladesh and in all formats of the game for Wellington, so now he has a chance to prove himself the test arena," Greatbatch said.

"Andy has some good pace and can move the ball around, which is always going to bother even the best of players."

Elliot and batsman Jesse Ryder were not considered because of injury while O'Brien and Shane Bond have retired from test cricket.

Black Caps squad
Daniel Vettori (captain), Tim McIntosh, BJ Watling, Peter Ingram, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, Brendon McCullum, Jeetan Patel, Tim Southee, Daryl Tuffey, Andy McKay, Chris Martin

- NZPA