New Faces In Black Caps Squad
Brendon Diamanti and Trent Boult are the new faces in the Black Caps squad named for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee series in Australia.
Diamanti has been on the New Zealand scene for some time now, and has been rewarded for some good form in this summer's competition. With Jacob Oram still unavailable Diamanti will bolster the Black Caps all-rounder stocks, although there are rumours that Oram may play some part in the series if he overcomes his injury and can prove his fitness is up to scratch. Here's hoping he can - he's such a valuable asset to the Black Caps, and the balance of the team.
Boult makes his way into the squad after a fantastic start to his career in New Zealand. At only 19 years old, Boult joins his Northern Districts teammate Tim Southee as a new generation of Black Caps, and it's clear the selectors are looking to the future with such selections.
Boult's figures in this summer's State Shield are impressive, taking thirteen wickets at an average of 23.84 - not bad for a 19 year old.
Ian O'Brian and Peter Fulton join the squad after missing the ODI series against the West Indies, and other than that it's the same squad.
Brendon McCullum has had an early taste of Australia after being included in the New South Wales T20 team for their final. McCullum was granted a release from his duties with Otago to play in the final. Andrew Symonds has called McCullum's inclusion in the NSW team, as "un-Australian" (and the rest...), but maybe he should be worrying more about his own form.
If the Black Caps are to stand a chance against Australia, McCullum will need to be on top of his game, despite the fact that Australia's form hasn't been red hot as of late.
All we need now is for South Africa to soften them up a bit more before the Chappell-Hadlee series begins next month!
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