Kiwis call for Sinclair

Veteran opener joins Test squad ahead of series opener

Last updated: 14th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Kiwis call for Sinclair

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New Zealand have named opener Mathew Sinclair in a 13-man squad for the first Test against Australia starting on Friday.

The Black Caps' batting problems have been exposed once again during the one-day series and selectors have chosen to bring in Sinclair, who replaces middle order batsman Neil Broom.

"We felt we needed a cover top-order batter, rather than cover for our middle order, so Neil is a little unlucky in that respect," coach Mark Greatbatch said.

Sinclair, 34, averages 32.5 in 32 Test appearances but has not been called upon since England toured New Zealand two years ago.

Captain Daniel Vettori will bat at number six having developed into a genuine all-rounder over the past 12 months.

"He has been very successful there over the last half-dozen tests," added Greatbatch. "It also gives a very good balance to our side.

"It enables us to play the five bowlers we are looking for, whether that is four seamers and one spinner, or three seamers and two spinners in our squad, we have the ability to be flexible."

The first of two Tests takes place at Wellington's Basin Reserve, with the second match in Hamilton starting on Saturday week.

New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori, Brent Arnel, Martin Guptill, Peter Ingram, Brendon McCullum, Tim McIntosh, Chris Martin, Jeetan Patel, Mathew Sinclair, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, BJ Watling.