6 Nov 2008

Black Caps squad named for first test against Australia

11:25 am on 6 November 2008

A Black Caps squad of 15 has been named for this month's first cricket test against Australia in Brisbane with the side including all the players from the second test against Bangladesh with the exception of spinner Jeetan Patel.

Only 13 players will travel to Australia with Peter Fulton to remain in New Zealand and play domestic cricket and wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins to travel to Brisbane on the eve of the test as cover for Brendan McCullum.

A new squad will be announced after the first test.

Pace bowler Chris Martin returns after missing the Bangladesh tour through injury.

The squad is.... Daniel Vettori ( c ), Aaron Redmond, Jamie How, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Peter Fulton, Daniel Flynn, Brendon McCullum, Grant Elliott, Gareth Hopkins, Tim Southee, Iain O¹Brien, Kyle Mills, Mark Gillespie and Chris Martin.

The Black Caps open their tour with a 4 day match against New South Wales in Sydney next Thursday with the first test in Brisbane starting on the 20th.