Mark Richardson suffers back strain, Lou Vincent on standby

The New Zealand selectors have placed Auckland batsman Lou Vincent on standby for the first National Bank Series Test starting tomorrow. Vincent is cover for opening batsman Mark Richardson who has a back strain.

Chairman of selectors, Sir Richard Hadlee, said Richardson is suffering from stiffness in his back and should the Test be played today he would not be able to take part.

"Mark has had a back problem in the past and he has now sustained a minor strain which is causing him some discomfort. Although he completed a nets session earlier today he is now feeling some stiffness and the selectors have asked Lou Vincent to join the squad,"

Hadlee said the selectors saw Lou Vincent as a player capable of opening, batting in the top-order, or filling a middle-order berth, as he did in the recent National Bank One Day International Series.

"Lou Vincent is a very talented individual and the selectors see him as multi-skilled. He is capable of batting anywhere in the order and is an outstanding fielder who can also cover the wicketkeeper if required. On this occasion the selectors have asked Lou to be on standby as an opener."

Hadlee said Vincent had performed with credit in the ODI scene and had taken every opportunity when he scored a half-century for New Zealand 'A' against Pakistan earlier in the week.

Meanwhile the CLEAR Black Caps management had some encouraging news when Northern Districts' strike bowler, Daryl Tuffey, came through training well today. A final decision on Tuffey's fitness will be delayed until tomorrow. Tuffey has a hip strain and Chris Drum remains on standby.

The first National Bank Series Test is due to start at 10.30am tomorrow at Eden Park, Auckland.

The CLEAR Black Caps squad is: