20 Jul 2012

Wagner set to make Black Caps debut

12:08 pm on 20 July 2012

The Otago fast bowler Neil Wagner will make his debut for the New Zealand cricket team in their tour match against a West Indies XI, which begins overnight in Antigua.

Wagner, who's from South Africa, became eligible to play for Black Caps earlier this year.

The three-day match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium will give the Black Caps the chance to get used to the venue as it's where the first test, which begins next Thursday, will also be played.

Not available for the match were batsman BJ Watling and bowler Trent Boult who are recovering from thigh injuries.

While Tim Southee and Doug Bracewell are the other squad members not included in the starting eleven.

Captain Ross Taylor says he's looking forward to seeing how Wagner performs and being a left armer it will give them a different option at the bowling crease.

The team is:

Ross Taylor (c)

Dean Brownlie

Daniel Flynn

Martin Guptill

Chris Martin

Brendon McCullum

Tarun Nethula

Kruger van Wyk

Daniel Vettori

Neil Wagner

Kane Williamson