ZCZC
BSP-02
CRICKET-NZL-SRI-TESTS
Black Caps turn to spin for Sri Lanka Tests
WELLINGTON, July 29, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – New Zealand unveiled a spin-heavy
attack Monday for the opening round of their World Test Championship campaign
against Sri Lanka next month.
Coach Gary Stead named four spinners in his 15-man squad for the two-Test
series in Sri Lanka that will mark both teams’ debut in the new world
championship that runs through to 2021.
Stead said the Sri Lankan wickets were expected to turn and he was
adopting a “horses-for-courses” strategy in selecting Ajaz Patel, Will
Somerville, Mitchell Santner and Todd Astle.
“Playing three spinners is an option in Sri Lankan conditions and we
believe this group provides the best variations and skill mix on offer,” he
said.
The reliance on spin means quicks Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson miss out,
with Stead opting for Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Colin de
Grandhomme.
The long-awaited Test championship will see nine nations vying for points
in home and away series in a bid to reach a deciding match at Lord’s in June
2021.
New Zealand will play 14 Tests against six nations as part of the
competition.
Stead said the Black Caps were ready for a new challenge after their
dramatic defeat in the ODI World Cup final, when the scores were tied after
regular play and a super over, but England won because they scored more
boundaries.
“It’s good timing for us after the World Cup,” he said.
“It was an incredible time for the team and the country, but we’re now
excited to move forward as a group and sink our teeth into another
opportunity.”
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor,
Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell
Santner, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Will Somerville, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel,
Trent Boult.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0825 hrs