McMillan dropped as New Zealand seek win over West Indies

Craig McMillan's failure to utilise the chances provided for him to regain his batting form has resulted in him being dropped for New Zealand's World Cup match tonight against the West Indies at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth.

Selection chairman Sir Richard Hadlee said top-order batsman McMillan had been left out of the team because of a lack of form.

"Craig McMillan has been omitted from the side after a long run of bad form for the TelstraClear Black Caps.

"We believe there are issues with his technique that need to be addressed and that he is currently very low on confidence."

Also returning to the 12 for the match are wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum and left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori.

The team is: Stephen Fleming (captain), Andre Adams, Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.

Hadlee intimated that McCullum's expertise in standing up to the slower bowlers who were expected to make an impact in Port Elizabeth would involve him 'keeping to both Harris and Vettori.

Hadlee said the importance of the match meant the selectors had to be pro-active and make changes to the team to suit the conditions and the opposition.

"As a result of our disappointing loss to Sri Lanka, we find ourselves in a position where we must win every match form here on if we are to make the Super Six.

"We have therefore been pro-active in making what we believe are the necessary changes to the team to help the team achieve this objective.

"We have brought Daniel Vettori back into the team because we think the conditions at St George's Park will suit the slower bowlers and he will have a very important role to play in the match.

"With this in mind Brendon McCullum, who is our specialist wicket-keeper and who stands up well to the slower bowlers, has also been brought back into the playing 11.

"It's also Brendon's responsibility to contribute with the bat in the middle-order.

Hadlee said McCullum's move to wicket-keeper would allow Lou Vincent to field inside the circle.

"Sri Lanka were allowed to take far too many singles and we did not apply enough pressure inside the circle.

"Lou is an excellent fielder and he motivates those around him through his actions and enthusiasm.

"We are confident he will give us that spark in the field we seemed to lack against Sri Lanka.