Vettori and Penn return to CLEAR Black Caps for first two One-Day Internationals
New Zealand Cricket - 24 January 2001

The New Zealand Cricket selection panel has today named the following CLEAR Black Caps squad to contest the first two One Day Internationals against Sri Lanka in The National Bank Series:

Stephen Fleming (c) (Wellington)
Nathan Astle (Canterbury)
Mathew Sinclair (Central Districts)
Roger Twose (Wellington)
Craig McMillan (Canterbury)
Jacob Oram (Central Districts)
Chris Harris (Canterbury)
Adam Parore (Auckland)
Daniel Vettori (Northern Districts)
James Franklin (Wellington)
Andrew Penn (Wellington)
Chris Martin (Canterbury)

Unavailable for selection due to injury were: Geoff Allott, Chris Cairns, Michael Mason, Scott Styris, Shayne O'Connor.

Daniel Vettori returns to the CLEAR Black Caps after an absence of four months due to a stress fracture of his back. Vettori was invalided out of the winter tour after the First Test against Zimbabwe. It was his third game on tour and he had already bowled 111 overs.

Vettori has been undertaking a graduated rehabilitation programme which has included five Provincial 'A' games and five Shell Cup matches.

The selection panel has included Vettori after assurances from the player and the medical panel that he is now fully fit and keen to play.

Chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee said: "Daniel Vettori has assured the selection panel that he is 100% fit, ready and very keen to play in this National Bank Series. The New Zealand Cricket medical panel is also confident that Daniel is ready to return to international cricket."

Also returning to the CLEAR Black Caps is Wellington pace bowler, Andrew Penn.

"Andrew Penn is a penetrative bowler with an ability to take wickets. He has performed with merit in the Shell Cup taking 15 wickets at 15.66. In making this selection the panel has opted for an additional strike bowler, at the expense of a second spin bowler," Hadlee said.

Penn last played for the CLEAR Black Caps in the final One Day International against the West Indies last summer. He was selected as a replacement during the winter tour but was himself injured in a club match and unable to travel. He was again selected as a replacement after an unprecedented number of injuries hit the side in South Africa. Penn travelled but sustained a recurrence of his injury in his first tour match.

Jacob Oram retains his place in the side after his selection for the CLEAR Black Caps' final two One Day Internationals against Zimbabwe in the first National Bank Series of the summer. Oram has shown form with the ball in the two Shell Cup matches he has since played. Against Auckland he claimed 3/13 and against Otago 2/19. Oram is selected as an all-rounder.

The CLEAR Black Caps squad will assemble in Napier this weekend. The early assembly is an initiative of coach David Trist.

"Given the number of new personnel and a new opposition it seemed sensible to take advantage of the extra time available. The selection panel has also invited Tama Canning and Lou Vincent to join the squad for the preparation phase. They will be involved in the nets practices and experience the team environment providing a useful addition to their international experience," Sir Richard said.

Meanwhile the selection panel has also named a Selection XI to play a one-day game against Sri Lanka in a warm-up to the National Bank Series. The match will be played at Pukekura Park New Plymouth on Sunday 28 January with play starting at 12 noon.

The Selection XI is:

Dion Nash (c) (Auckland)
Chris Nevin (Wellington)
James Marshall (Northern Districts)
Lou Vincent (Auckland)
Hamish Marshall (Northern Districts)
Tama Canning (Auckland)
Brooke Walker (Auckland)
Kyle Mills (Auckland)
Andre Adams (Auckland)
Daryl Tuffey (Northern Districts)
Simon Doull (Northern Districts)

"A number of the Selection XI players are in the frame for selection in the CLEAR Black Caps and they have a rare opportunity to demonstrate their credentials under international conditions to the selection panel.

"The selection panel is pleased to witness the return of Dion Nash to top-flight cricket, and he is selected as a specialist batsman and captain. Similarly the panel is pleased to note the return of Simon Doull after his battle with injury," Hadlee said.

Sri Lanka arrive into Auckland International Airport on Saturday 27 January, on Air New Zealand flight 102 at 2.45pm. The side has a short lay-over at Auckland before flying to New Plymouth.

Media interviews will be conducted at the Auckland International Airport media centre adjacent to the International Arrivals Hall. John Knowles will facilitate media requests and may be contacted on 025 531 194.

© New Zealand Cricket


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