March 2 (Reuters) – Batsman Rob Nicol and all-rounder
Andrew Ellis have been included in New Zealand’s squad for the
first of three home tests against South Africa, while captain
Ross Taylor returns after a calf muscle injury.
Nicol and Ellis have both played limited overs cricket for
New Zealand but have yet to make a test debut.
“Both Rob and Andrew have shown promise against South Africa
in limited overs cricket and we believe they can transfer their
form across to the test matches,” national selection manager Kim
Littlejohn said in a statement on Friday.
Jesse Ryder was left out of the test side because of poor
form, team manager Mike Sandle said.
Sandle told local media earlier on Friday that Ryder had
also been suspended for the team’s final one-day match against
South Africa on Saturday following a breach of team protocols
for drinking.
Dean Brownlie, who broke a finger last month, was not
considered for the test series due to the injury.
Taylor injured his calf during the only test against
Zimbabwe in Napier in January and missed the following limited
overs matches against the same opponents and South Africa.
Brendon McCullum captained the side in his absence.
“We are pleased with the way the test team has performed
this summer and this group is looking forward to the challenge
of continuing that success,” Littlejohn added.
Continued…
