2 Mar 2012

Two new caps in New Zealand test squad

12:43 pm on 2 March 2012

Ross Taylor will lead the New Zealand Cricket side in next week's first test against South Africa in Dunedin with 2 possible new caps in the 13-man squad.

The squad includes the ten players who started against Zimbabwe along with Rob Nicol and Andrew Ellis who are uncapped at Test level.

Brent Arnel returns to the squad while Dean Brownlie wasn't considered due to injury.

Taylor missed the limited overs series against South Africa with a calf injury.

National Selection Manager Kim Littlejohn says they're pleased with the way the Test team has performed this summer and this group is looking forward to the challenge of continuing that success.

He says both Nicol and Ellis have shown promise against South Africa in limited overs cricket and we believe they can transfer their form across to the Test matches.

One player will be added if required to bring the squad up to the full complement of 14 players.

Ross Taylor (c) - Central Stags

Brent Arnel - Northern Knights

Trent Boult - Northern Knights

Doug Bracewell - Central Stags

Andrew Ellis - Canterbury Wizards

Martin Guptill - Auckland Aces

Chris Martin - Auckland Aces

Brendon McCullum - Otago Volts

Rob Nicol - Canterbury Wizards

Tim Southee - Northern Knights

Daniel Vettori - Northern Knights

BJ Watling - Northern Knights

Kane Williamson - Northern Knight