Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Arnel set to make test cricket debut

Updated at 3:42 pm on 18 March 2010

The 31-year-old Northern Districts seam bowler Brent Arnel is set to make his test debut with New Zealand likely to field a four pronged pace attack in the first cricket test against Australia starting in Wellington tomorrow.

Arnel's selection would mean no room for second spinner Jeetan Patel.

The Black Caps skipper Dan Vettori says the pitch appears to be a typical Basin Reserve wicket which means there should be some assistance for the seam bowlers early on and then dry out to suit the batsmen.

Vettori says there's a slight green tinge to it as well, which is likely to mean Arnel will be selected ahead of Patel.

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