Bracewell, Gillespie in New Zealand's A team for subcontinent

Test cricketers Doug Bracewell, Mark Gillespie and Neil Broom are among 18 players in New Zealand's A team tour to India and Sri Lanka starting late August. The team is scheduled to play one three-day match, one four-day match and three one-dayers against India A before travelling to Sri Lanka for two four-day matches and three one-dayers.

"It's a very strong New Zealand A squad with a lot of experience on the international scene," Kim Littlejohn, the general manager of national selection, said. "The likes of Doug Bracewell, Neil Broom and Mark Gillespie have all played at Test level and will benefit from further time facing international teams."

However, three players - Broom, Derek de Boorder and James Neesham - will only be available for the two longer-form matches against India A, before being released for the Champions League. They will be replaced by Anton Devcich, Andrew Ellis and Scott Kuggeleijn.

"Players like Daryl Mitchell, Ish Sodhi and Matthew Henry are all exciting prospects for the future, and this offers them an opportunity to continue their development and understand the demands of cricket at a higher level," Littlejohn said.

"The experience of playing in subcontinent conditions will be of immense value for all these players and we're confident they'll grasp this opportunity with both hands."

New Zealand A squad: Corey Anderson (Northern Knights), Todd Astle (Canterbury Wizards), Derek de Boorder (Otago Volts), Doug Bracewell (Central Districts), Neil Broom (Otago Volts), Carl Cachopa (Central Districts), Mark Gillespie (Wellington Firebirds), Matthew Henry (Canterbury Wizards), Tom Latham (Canterbury Wizards), James Neesham (Otago Volts), Adam Milne (Central Districts), Daryl Mitchell (Northern Knights), Colin Munro (Auckland Aces), Luke Ronchi (Wellington Firebirds), Ish Sodhi (Northern Knights)

Players out after first two matches in India: Neil Broom, Derek de Boorder and James Neesham

Players in after first two matches in India: Anton Devcich (Northern Knights), Andrew Ellis (Canterbury Wizards), Scott Kuggeleijn (Northern Knights)