CHRISTCHURCH, April 5: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is likely to send two young spin bowlers to Sri Lanka with Black Caps tour next week to assist their development.

Concerned at dearth of quality spin bowlers in New Zealand game, NZC wants to broaden experience base of spinners by exposing them to Sri Lankan conditions where wickets favour slower bowlers.

Operations manager John Reid said two promising spinners at first-class level would be selected with Bruce Martin, Aaron Redmond and Luke Woodcock in contention.

New Zealand’s slim spin stocks were highlighted when Paul Wiseman was recalled for the tour with bowling average from past season of 49.1.

Reid said NZC was very concerned on lack of slow bowling talent not just at first-class level but through most tiers of the game. The two players picked will be attached to Black Caps but not part of official team.

NZC’s coaching staff believed the move would be a win-win situation. “It gave Black Caps batsmen more opportunity to play more spinners in net sessions while assisting in young players development. They will learn about conditions overseas and what is required.”—PPI