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Several players in contention for the final batting position in the New Zealand test cricket team have a last chance to impress today.

The team was scheduled to be announced yesterday. Given the trouble over finalising at least one batting position after the injury to Craig McMillan, it will not be resolved until after the South Africa-New Zealand A game ends.

The selectors, Ross Dykes (convener), Steve Rixon, and Rick Pickard, are focusing their attention on the likes of Mark Bailey, Mathew Sinclair, and Gary Stead.

The crisis has been reached after injury has cost New Zealand three of its best batsmen, Stephen Fleming, Chris Cairns, and McMillan. The position is compounded by opener Matthew Bell's form.

He has struggled so far at test level and two scores of six in the first test at Auckland, when battling a stomach virus and minor hamstring injury, will not have helped. Although he did not play for Wellington in its latest Shell Trophy match, and is having tests on his ongoing viral complaint, he is still available for selection.

In that position the selectors could either recall the experienced Bryan Young, a good backfoot player, with 33 tests experience (average 32.03), or soldier on with Bell, their preferred option at the season's start.

It appears they would rather do that than elevate Roger Twose, who could handle the role, but that would open a gap elsewhere. Only one batting newcomer would be the preferred position facing the Proteas well-honed pace bowling attack.

Fleming may be included

Rixon said it would appear Fleming is out of contention after missing the Canterbury-Otago match, but any improvement in his condition and he could be considered in an expanded squad of 13, so dire is the situation.

It appears the elegant Mark Bailey, who has been around the fringe of the international arena without forcing a place, or the promising young Mathew Sinclair, a double century-maker in the past trophy round, are uppermost in the selectors' minds. Once in, Bailey can look very good and he has scores of 61 and 38 against the tourists for Northern Districts. But he is often a scratchy starter.

The other decision the selectors have to make is whether to retain Matthew Hart or include another pace bowler in the 12. Another pace bowler is the probable choice with a well-grassed wicket at Jade Stadium. Hart was picked to cater for the likelihood of the Auckland wicket taking spin, but was then made 12th man.

The choice comes down to the trio on display at Lincoln Green, Shayne O'Connor, Carl Bulfin, and Chris Drum. O'Connor should get the nod having been an established member of the Black Caps last season and the form pace bowler of the trophy competition.

Possible team: Matthew Horne, Bryan Young, Roger Twose, Nathan Astle, Mark Bailey, Chris Harris, Adam Parore, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori, Simon Doull, Geoff Allott, Shayne O'Connor.