11 Sep 2015

Black Caps selectors go for experience

1:01 pm on 11 September 2015

The New Zealand cricket selectors have included both all rounders Corey Anderson and James Nessham in their 15-man squad for the Test series in Australia in November and December.

Corey Anderson bats during the first Investec Test Match between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground, London.

Corey Anderson bats during the first Investec Test Match between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground, London. Photo: Photosport

Coach Mike Hesson and selector Gavin Larsen have settled on an experienced touring party, containing no new caps for the Tests in Brisbane and Perth - and the historic day/night showdown in Adelaide.

The 15-man squad contains two all-rounders; four front-line pace bowlers - Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Doug Bracewell - just one spinner, Mark Craig, and two wicketkeepers, BJ Watling and Luke Ronchi.

Hesson said Anderson's and Neesham's ability to offer value at the bowling crease persuaded the selectors to carry four, rather than five, front line fast bowlers as the Black Caps prepare to renew their Test campaign - after seven consecutive series without defeat.

"A lot of our recent success has been based on the value of our number six batsman bowling some overs, and we're comfortable continuing in that vein," Hesson said.

"Rather than having an extra fast bowler not playing in Australia, we thought it more prudent for those in contention to remain in New Zealand and be playing domestic cricket."

Luke Ronchi bats during the second Investec Test Match between England and New Zealand at Headingley, Leeds.

Luke Ronchi bats during the second Investec Test Match between England and New Zealand at Headingley, Leeds. Photo: Photosport

Luke Ronchi, who performed strongly for the Black Caps during their most recent Test - the win against England at Leeds, has retained his place in the squad as the back-up gloveman to BJ Watling.

"This is a tour in which we spend quite a lot of time on the west coast of Australia and, given what happened to BJ's knee in England, it seems wise to have options close at hand."

Hesson and Larsen also named the New Zealand 'A' four-day and one-day squads to meet Sri Lanka 'A' in Lincoln and at Hagley Oval next month - matches which ensure the bulk of New Zealand Cricket's best players will be in action ahead of the Test series in Australia.

"It makes sense to have our fringe Test players included in these matches," explains Hesson.

"It's good to keep them involved in high level cricket, especially on the cusp of the tour to Australia. We know at some stage someone will be required - that's the attritional nature of a three-match Test series."

The New Zealand 'A' one-day squad will play four matches against Sri Lanka 'A' on 5, 7,10 and 13 October, while the four-day squad will square off in two matches, from 17-20 and 24-27 October.

Hamish Rutherford will play in the New Zealand 'A' one-day team for the first two matches before departing for the Black Caps' pink ball trial in Hamilton on 8-9 October.

George Worker, Michael Pollard, Tom Blundell, Ish Sodhi and Andrew Mathieson will be available for the opening round of Plunket Shield starting October 15th.

New Zealand Test squad to Australia 2015:

Brendon McCullum (captain)

Corey Anderson

Trent Boult

Doug Bracewell

Mark Craig

Martin Guptill

Matt Henry

Tom Latham

James Neesham

Luke Ronchi

Hamish Rutherford

Tim Southee

Ross Taylor

BJ Watling

Kane Williamson

New Zealand 'A' one-day squad:

Tom Blundell

Michael Bracewell

Jacob Duffy

Andrew Mathieson

Henry Nicholls

Ed Nuttall

Michael Pollard

Hamish Rutherford

Mitchell Santner

Ish Sodhi

Ben Wheeler

George Worker

Will Young

New Zealand 'A' four-day squad:

Todd Astle

Michael Bracewell

Dean Brownlie

Derek de Boorder

Jacob Duffy

Colin Munro

Henry Nicholls

Ed Nuttall

Jeet Raval

Mitchell Santner

Neil Wagner

Ben Wheeler

Will Young