West Indies vs. New Zealand 2014: Luke Ronchi and Mark Craig in New Zealand Test squad; Daniel Vettori opts out
Daniel Vettori opts out of West Indies Test series
Wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi, who has so far been New Zealand’s first choice glovesman in limited overs internationals, and 27-year-old off-spinner Mark Craig have been included in the Kiwi Test squad for the forthcoming three-Test series in West Indies. Craig was selected in the squad after Jeetan Patel, citing personal reasons, made himself unavailable for the tour.
The selectors didn’t consider senior left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, as the player himself feels that he can’t match up to the rigours of Test cricket with his recurring back issues. He played his last Test match in 2012 against West Indies, where he managed to pick up only one wicket.
However, the biggest surprise was the inclusion of Peter Fulton, who hasn’t been in fine nick for quite sometime now. After scoring 61 against West Indies at Dunedin, he has managed to enter double-figure mark only four times in his last 9 innings. Kiwi coach Mike Hesson confirmed that Tom Latham is seen more as batting back-up, with Ronchi in the reserves for the wicket-keeper role.
Ronchi has been regular customer for New Zealand after he moved from Australia in 2013. He has proved himself in limited overs cricket which has earned him a place in the Test squad. Ronchi could provide stability in the middle order as he’s fine player of spin bowling.
Hesson also said that Craig was in the eyes of the selectors as he performed well in the first-class matches for Otago. He took 22 wickets in the Plunkett Shield at an average of 39.72. His variations in spin will be effective against West Indies left-handed batsmen.
The Test series begins in June, with the venues for the Tests being Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana. Following the Test series, the two teams will square off in a two-match T20 series.
“While we gained a convincing 2-0 Test series victory against the West Indies in December, they’ll be a totally different proposition in their conditions,” Hesson said. “They’ll have the added motivation to perform well in the first match which will be Chris Gayle’s 100th Test.”
He added: “Mark has had a strong Plunket Shield taking 22 wickets and his right-arm off-spinners will be valuable against their left-handed heavy top order batting line-up.”
Test squad Peter Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum (capt), Tom Latham, Corey Anderson, BJ Watling, Luke Ronchi, Jimmy Neesham, Mark Craig, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi.