15 Nov 2017

Settled test team named for West Indies

5:37 am on 15 November 2017

The New Zealand cricket selectors have named a squad of 12 for the first Test against the West Indies next month with a 13th to be named after New Zealand A play the tourists.

That addition will be confirmed following a three-day warm-up match between New Zealand A and the Caribbean side beginning 25 November.

Black Caps celebrations in Hamilton.

Black Caps celebrations in Hamilton. Photo: Photosport

The only player not included from the side that played their last Test against South Africa in March, is batsman neil Broom, who has been named in the NZ A side.

A pace trio of Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Scott Kuggeleijn will make up the New Zealand A bowling attack, in what will be one of the fastest the country has ever produced.

While still named in the squad, the availability of wicketkeeper BJ Watling for the Black Caps Test in Wellington on December 1st is in question due to a hip injury. Watling will be monitored and evaluated over the coming week.

All of the Black Caps players will be available to play in the fourth round of the Plunket Shield starting today.

Selector Gavin Larsen says the Test squad has a settled look to it.

"Aside from a question mark over BJ, we have a fully fit squad who have all shown they have what it takes to perform at Test level," said Larsen.

"We want to hit the ground running for that first match at the Basin Reserve. It's a special place to play cricket and we're determined to start the summer on a positive note."

Larsen said the New Zealand A side was full of talent and excitement.

"While the Black Caps squad doesn't have too may surprises, this NZ A team certainly shows that we have depth and quality players who are pushing for higher honours.

"Watching the three quickest bowlers in NZ operating together will certainly be exciting, and all three have plenty to play for.

"We are looking to develop Martin Guptill's leadership capabilities and the NZ A match is another good opportunity."

BLACKCAPS (one to be added)

Kane Williamson (c) - Northern Districts

Trent Boult - Northern Districts

Colin de Grandhomme - Auckland Aces

Matt Henry - Canterbury

Tom Latham - Canterbury

Henry Nicholls - Canterbury

Jeet Raval - Auckland Aces

Mitchell Santner - Northern Districts

Tim Southee - Northern Districts

Ross Taylor - Central Stags

Neil Wagner - Otago Volts

BJ Watling* - Northern Districts

New Zealand A

Martin Guptill (c) - Auckland Aces

Todd Astle - Canterbury

Tom Blundell - Wellington Firebirds

Neil Broom - Northern Districts

Tom Bruce - Central Stags

Lockie Ferguson - Auckland Aces

Scott Kuggeleijn - Northern Districts

Adam Milne - Central Stags

Colin Munro - Auckland Aces

Jeet Raval - Auckland Aces

George Worker - Central Stags

Not considered due to injury - Seth Rance, Dean Brownlie