Selection XI to play Central Districts

The national selection panel of Sir Richard Hadlee (chairman), Ross Dykes, Brian McKechnie and David Trist, has today named the Selection XI who will play the State Central Stags from 19-21 March, at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln.

The team is:

Hadlee said the match would serve two purposes: to give quality cricket to players who may be considered by the selectors for inclusion in the third National Bank Test against Pakistan; and to assist with the Stags preparation for the Perth International One Day Four Nations Tournament.

Hadlee said Wellington players other than James Franklin were not considered for the Selection XI as these players will face Pakistan in a scheduled tour match, 22-24 March. He said Franklin would be available for the Wellington match also.

Hadlee said it was likely that the Selection XI and State Central Stags would contest a 2-day and a 1-day game but the structure of the three days would be mutually agreed by the two teams.

Central Districts', as winners of the Shell Cup, earned the right to represent New Zealand at the inaugural One Day Four Nations tournament.

The tournament, played at Perth Western Australia, from March 29 to April 04, will be contested by Mumbai (India), Western Australia (Australia), Kwa Zulu Natal Dolphins (South Africa) and the State Central Stags (New Zealand).