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WELLINGTON: New Zealand selectors on Sunday went for continuity in a 15-man squad of few surprises which includes only two new caps for next month's tricky three-Test series in India.
But they held back on naming the one-day squad as recriminations continue over New Zealand's recent 0-4 whitewash at the hands of supposed minnows Bangladesh.
The two new Test players are batsman Kane Williamson and fast bowler Hamish Bennett, who were both on the Bangladesh tour.
Coach and selector Mark Greatbatch said the pair deserved their step up to Test status after showing promise in Bangladesh, where Williamson scored his maiden one-day international century.
“Kane Williamson is an impressive young talent and his game continues to improve with his involvement in the national team, while Bennett did everything asked of him on the recent tour of Bangladesh and offers the side a genuine pace option,” Greatbatch said.
Batsman Mathew Sinclair is the only player missing from New Zealand's last Test appearance, against Australia in March.
Six players -- Brent Arnel, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Tim McIntosh, Gareth Hopkins and Jeetan Patel -- will travel directly to India from Zimbabwe, where they have been playing for New Zealand A and are free from any fallout from the one-day series.
Greatbatch said the Test side was not exempt from the one-day debacle in Bangladesh.
“We are well aware that our recent performances are not up to scratch and we need to improve if we are to compete with a very strong Indian side. The team are determined to do so.”
The Test matches are at Ahmedabad on November 4, Hyderabad on November 12 and Nagpur on November 28.
A revised squad for the five one-dayers will be named closer to the opening game, at Guwahati on November 28.
Test squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Brent Arnel, Hamish Bennett, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Tim McIntosh, Andy McKay, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson. -AFP
