Fleming in NZ squad for Pakistan Test

Stephen Fleming: battling to be fit © Getty Images

Stephen Fleming has been included in New Zealand's team for the first Test against Pakistan, starting in Hamilton on Friday. However, in case his abdominal strain should flare up , there is cover in the form of Richard Jones.

Fleming, as recently as last week, was in doubt for the game. However, specialist advice said he should play in Wellington's State Insurance match against Canterbury, and he has done that, although only scoring two in the first innings. The match is scheduled to finish tomorrow.

Also in the squad, for the first time since breaking down in the first Test against England at the Jade Stadium in March last year, is Chris Cairns. He has been captaining Canterbury in the same domestic match and has declared himself fit for the rigours of five days of Test cricket.

The only players not considered due to injury were Shane Bond and Nathan Astle.

Squad 1 Stephen Fleming (capt), 2 Mark Richardson, 3 Lou Vincent, 4 Richard Jones, 5 Scott Styris, 6 Craig McMillan, 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Chris Cairns, 9 Robbie Hart (wk), 10 Daniel Vettori, 11 Daryl Tuffey, 12 Ian Butler, 13 Paul Wiseman.