How dropped for Tests

Batting dilemma settled in favour of veteran opener Bell

Last updated: 31st December 2007

Cricket Australia Chairmans XI vs New Zealand: Jamie How

How: omitted

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Despite New Zealand having wrapped up a 3-0 one-day international series victory against Bangladesh, several prominent players have been cast aside for the upcoming Test series against the Tigers.

Chief among them is batsmen Jamie How who, after scoring 89 and 74 in the first two one-dayers, makes way for veteran Wellington opener Matthew Bell.

Bell, who averages over 100 in first-class matches this season, will opening the batting with returning right-hander Craig Cumming.

Ross Taylor and Scott Styris have also been dropped, and there is no place in the squad for in-form bowler Andre Adams.

Selector Glenn Turner said: "The most difficult decisions were around opening the batting and who should bat number five.

"In our assessment the bowling attack performed reasonably well in South Africa so we have retained that group."

Spinner Jeetan Patel will come into the squad for the second Test in Wellington, while seamer Mark Gillespie will also undergo fitness assessments and, if included, one of the bowlers will drop out.

The first Test begins in Dunedin on January 4th while the second will be played in Wellington, starting on January 11th.

New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum (vice captain), Matthew Bell, Craig Cumming, Stephen Fleming, Peter Fulton, Chris Martin, Michael Mason, Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Mathew Sinclair.