New Zealand has reportedly named a largely unchanged Test squad from the team that beat West Indies 2-0 before Christmas, for the series against India next month.
An unchanged 11 from the third Test win in Hamilton is likely, with opener Peter Fulton retaining his spot while pacemen Neil Wagner and Doug Bracewell staved off a late bid from Hamish Bennett who was the leading wicket-taker after five rounds of Plunket Shield and also impressed in last night's tied ODI against India in Auckland.
According to Stuff.co.nz, batsman Jesse Ryder is the only new addition to the squad although coach Mike Hesson insisted that Ryder was there as cover for Ross Taylor whose wife is expecting their second child during the two-Test series, which starts in Auckland on February 6.
General manager of national selection, Bruce Edgar said it was a settled squad, but felt there are plenty of players knocking on the door, saying that they are pleased with how this group of players has performed, for which they have been rewarded with constant selection.
Edgar also said that New Zealand has made a lot of progress in the Test format recently and the two matches against India will be another chance to continue that development, adding that India is a class side and will give them a good gauge of where their team is at.
Openers Fulton and Hamish Rutherford will get a look at the Indian test squad after being named in the New Zealand XI for the two-day warm-up game in Whangarei starting next Sunday.
Test squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Taylor, Corey Anderson, BJ Watling, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Wagner, Trent Boult, Bracewell, Ryder.
