Phil Chandler's prospective return to the Wellington Firebirds side this summer has been signalled with his inclusion in one of the two trial teams named by the Wellington selectors today.

Chandler has been overseas for the last two summers but was one of the key Wellington batsmen in an under-performing team when he left. He was a member of the New Zealand A team which beat England in the 1996/97 season.

The trial, to be played under first-class conditions over three days at the Basin Reserve, starts at 10.30am on Sunday. A minimum of 100 overs will be required to be bowled each day.

Chandler is included in the Chris Nevin-captained XI, a side that will be up against a strong looking side captained by Richard Jones. With former international Roger Twose no longer available for selection, the way is clear for Chandler to force his way back into the side, although the chance is also there for some prospective new blood to be selected.

The selectors, Vaughn Johnson, Greg Hooper and Ewen Chatfield, named the following teams:

Richard Jones' XI: Richard Jones (captain), Selwyn Blackmore, Rhys Morgan, Stephen Murdoch, James Franklin, Glynn Howell, Mayu Pasupati, Andrew Penn, Mark Gillespie, Mark Jefferson, Ben Jansen, Graeme Murray.

Chris Nevin's XI: Chris Nevin (captain), Michael Blackmore, Leighton Morgan, Grant Donaldson, Phil Chandler, Matthew Walker, Paul Hitchcock, Iain O'Brien, Ash Turner, Jeetan Patel, Sam Fairley, Shane Battock.

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