Papps recalled for South Africa tour

Michael Papps, the Canterbury opener, has been recalled to the New Zealand Test squad for the tour of South Africa beginning next month. Allrounder Jacob Oram has also been declared fit to tour after missing the ongoing Tests against West Indies.

Papps made his debut against the South Africans during their three-Test tour in 2004, scoring a half-century at Hamilton. He last played for New Zealand in the Leeds Test against England in 2004 and has played four Tests overall with reasonable success.

John Bracewell, the New Zealand coach, expressed confidence that his side would adjust well to the conditions in what looks to be a challenging tour, against a strong South African side. He also defended the selection of Papps, who has notched up some good scores for Canterbury in the domestic season.

"We expect to have a challenging time in South Africa. It is important that we quickly make the transition to the altitude, climate and playing conditions, as well as to the intensity that the South African team will bring to these matches," Bracewell said.

"Michael Papps provides us with cover as a specialist opener and adds balance to the team. He has performed well for the Blackcaps in the past and now appears to have addressed issues with his technique."

Lou Vincent and Mathew Sinclair, two other openers, were not considered due to personal commitments. Vincent wishes to be home for the birth of his first child, due April 15, while Sinclair is getting married, also on the same date. Both players would be on standby after the first Test, should the team management seek any replacements.

The tour begins with a three-day match against the Rest of South Africa at Benoni on April 7. The first Test will be played at Centurion beginning April 15 while the remaining matches are scheduled at Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The selectors were due to name the squad after the final Test against West Indies at Napier but persistent rain means that a draw is almost certain, resulting in the early announcement of the team.

Squad Stephen Fleming (capt), Daniel Vettori, Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Peter Fulton, James Franklin, Jamie How, Brendon McCullum (wk), Hamish Marshall, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Michael Papps, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris