That NZ cricket mid-winter test squad
1The squad for the 2016 twin test tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa are due to be named in the next day or so.
Two tours against very differing opposition in very different conditions. So it would make sense to take an enlarged squad with maybe a spinner dropping out after the Zimbabwe leg, and a fast bowler coming in for tests in the Republic. So let’s say 16 and let’s pull names from the hat.
Tom Latham Incumbent
Martin Guptill: Incumbent, but under review. Waiting in the wings is
Dean Brownlie: Cover for above, and with a good record in South Africa.
Been there, done that
Kane Williamson ©
Ross Taylor
Henry Nicholls Incumbent, and Colin Munro has not really done enough to displace. Could be a marginal call. Brownlie is there as cover too.
Corey J Anderson: With Mitch Santner around there is probably not room for both Anderson and Neesham in a current NZ squad. Again, incumbent. That is tough on Jimmy Neesham, but there is not a compelling enough argument right now.
Mitch Santner: In the space of a year, Santner has become such an important squad member now, and a big factor in final XI make-up. Kind of incumbent.
BJ Watling:
Tim Southee
Trent Boult
Neil Wagner: Also an incumbent and finally rated for what he can do in all conditions.
Doug Bracewell: Incumbent
Matt Henry: Maybe for the SA leg only.
Ish Sodhi: Will definitely play in Zimbabwe.
Mark Craig: He is kind of the incumbent, but his place will probably depend on the negotiated size of squad.
So much to ponder.
I think Brownlie is nowhere near this team after averaging 25 in the Plunket last season. Raval instead, with a view to blooding him and making Guptill the reserve. Guptill not and never will be a Test opener.
Popli close, but Nicholls and Anderson retained for now. Not strong in the 5-6 department. Nicholls has plenty to prove.
Neesham possibly didn’t do enough in Plunket Shield. Agree it’s one of him or Anderson.
Hesson preference for having second keeper to cover Watling patchy fitness record means Ronchi is a possibility. I’d pick a younger keeper such as Fletcher, but Hesson will pick Ronchi.
Santner in, Sodhi in, but no room for Craig. Not an international standard bowler and decent batting can’t make up for that. And don’t need three spinners.
Kuggeleijn has earned a call-up (if they’re even allowed to pick him) but too many pace bowlers in front right now. Next in line as soon as one of them gets injured.
Squad (assuming 16):
Latham
Guptill
Raval
Williamson
Taylor
Nicholls
Anderson
Watling
Ronchi
Santner
Southee
Boult
Henry
Wagner
Bracewell
Sodhi