15 Mar 2012

Gillespie likely to get a start in test

7:55 am on 15 March 2012

A decision on who'll fill the vacant bowling berth for the Black Caps in the second cricket test against South Africa in Hamilton, won't be made until shortly before play this morning.

It's a straight choice between Northern Districts Brent Arnel and Wellington's Mark Gillespie, who played the last of his three tests more than three years ago.

Legspinner Tarun Nethula's unlikely to get a run with both coach John Wright and captain Ross Taylor doubting the Seddon Park pitch will offer much assistance to the spinners.

Taylor's emphasised the need for the Black Caps to be able to dismiss the South Africans twice, which hints at Gillespie getting the nod.

The New Zealand cricket coach John Wright says picking up 20 wickets is his main concern and he expects the Seddon Park wicket to be full of runs.