CHRISTCHURCH, March 8: Fast bowler Ian Butler was named in the New Zealand Test side to face England next week when the team was announced Friday afternoon.
Also in the squad is 75-Test veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Parore, the subject of some speculation when he made himself temporarily unavailable for cricket due to fatigue.
An olive branch offered to Parore by New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden and chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee, paved the way for his inclusion.
Butler’s selection affirms the rapid improvement the 20-year-old has made in his first season of top-level cricket.
He was rushed into the New Zealand one-day side when Shane Bond was ruled out through injury and while he took a wicket with his third ball as an international, he only bowled eight overs in his two matches.
Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Ian Butler, Chris Cairns, Chris Drum, Matthew Horne, Chris Martin, Craig McMillan, Adam Parore, Mark Richardson, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.—Reuters