Injury forces changes in Black Caps team

While consistency is still the prime aim of the selectors, the unavailability of Dion Nash has led to the recall of Simon Doull (after a long break from injury) and the introduction of the Canterbury new ball bowler Warren Wisneski to the CLEAR Black Caps side to meet Australia. The selectors this morning released their side for the first two matches in the National Bank Cricket One Day International series next week.

"Warren got the nod because of the good form he showed for New Zealand A before Christmas as well as his strong showing in the latter rounds of the Shell Cup," said convenor of selectors, Ross Dykes. "We need a bowler who is effective in getting players out, can swing the new ball as well as being able to cope under pressure at the end of an innings and Warren has shown us he can do that.

"We are also very pleased that Simon is back to full fitness. He has shown in the last few Shell Cup matches that he is bowling well, he is fresh and is looking forward to the challenge. Simon is vastly experienced in international cricket and on his day can make significant inroads at the top of the innings

"Mathew Sinclair was seriously considered given his outstanding form in the early rounds of the Shell Cup. However we believe he is best suited to batting early in the innings and given our success against the West Indies, we don't wish to tamper with the top order at present. The form of Craig McMillan has been a concern, but he has a good record against the Australians and his ability to score quickly under pressure in the latter part of the innings earns him re-selection, " Dykes said.

The team is:

Stephen Fleming (Canterbury) (Captain) Nathan Astle (Canterbury) Craig Spearman (Central Districts) Roger Twose (Wellington) Chris Cairns (Canterbury) Craig McMillan (Canterbury) Chris Harris (Canterbury) Adam Parore (Auckland) Daniel Vettori (Northern Districts) Scott Styris (Northern Districts) Simon Doull (Northern Districts) Warren Wisneski (Canterbury).

The team has been selected for the matches against Australia at the Wellington Stadium on February 16 and at Eden Park on February 19. But, the selectors may add to the squad for the Auckland match if Eden Park conditions dictate.

Apart from Nash, other players not considered through injury were Geoff Allott and Matthew Horne.