Sinclair and Mills to play their first World Cup matches

Mathew Sinclair will finally get to take part in the World Cup after being named as Nathan Astle's replacement in the New Zealand side to play Bangladesh in Kimberley today.

Astle has been rested on medical advice, he is suffering from a hernia and more problems with his troubled knee.

Also out of tonight's game is livewire fieldsman Lou Vincent who has conceded a place to fast-medium bowler Kyle Mills who is also expected to play his first match of the Cup.

The selectors are clearly expecting to make an impact on the Bangladesh side with their pace options from an attack containing Shane Bond, Andre Adams, Mills, Jacob Oram and possibly Chris Cairns.

The side for the game is: Stephen Fleming (captain), Andre Adams, Shane Bond, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori.

Selection committee chairman Sir Richard Hadlee said: "We believe the Bangladesh side might be vulnerable to pace bowling and that Kyle has the ability to swing the ball and take wickets at the top of the order.

"He has an excellent record for New Zealand and is a multi-skilled player who also provides us with a batting option in the middle to lower-order."

Hadlee added: "Mathew Sinclair is a ready made replacement at No 3 in the batting order for the injured Nathan Astle.

"Mathew will have an opportunity to put his case up for further selection should there be any form or injury concerns with other batsmen during the remainder of the tournament."