Paul Hitchcock and Matthew Hart named in TelstraClear Black Caps One-Day International squad
New Zealand Cricket - 24 May 2002

State Wellington Firebirds medium pace bowler Paul Hitchcock and State Northern Knights spin bowler Matthew Hart are included in the TelstraClear Black Caps One-Day International squad for the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

Chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee said Hitchcock was brought into the side after Andre Adams was ruled out through injury.

"Paul has been bowling extremely well over the last couple of years and was the leading wicket taker in the State Shield this year with 22 wickets at an average of 14.5.

"Paul now gets his chance to prove to us that he can perform at the top level and convince us that he should be in our considerations for the World Cup next year."

Hart, who last played for New Zealand in the 1999 World Cup, has also been named in the squad to replace Brooke Walker.

"We have yet to settle on a second spin bowling option and we will be looking to Matthew to play a significant role to help balance the workload of Daniel Vettori," said Hadlee.

"Matthew has been a very consistent performer of late and was a standout in the State Shield this year taking 15 wickets at a miserly average of 10.6," said Hadlee.

The three players who were under an injury cloud, Shane Bond (foot), Nathan Astle (knee) and Jacob Oram (side strain) all came through fitness tests and have been selected.

The 15-man TelstraClear Black Caps squad for the five One-Day Internationals against the West Indies is:

Stephen Fleming (captain)
Nathan Astle
Shane Bond
Ian Butler
Chris Harris
Matthew Hart
Paul Hitchcock
Matt Horne
Craig McMillan
Chris Nevin
Jacob Oram
Scott Styris
Daryl Tuffey
Daniel Vettori
Lou Vincent

At this time the selectors have named a 13-man Test squad with the intention of adding one more player at a later date.

"We've got one more place to fill. We will be look closely at some players during the five One-Day Internationals to assess their form," said Hadlee. "This will also give us time to assess pitch conditions, any player injuries, and the type of player we require."

The TelstraClear Black Caps squad for the two Test matches against the West Indies is:

Stephen Fleming (captain)
Nathan Astle
Shane Bond
Ian Butler
Chris Harris
Robbie Hart
Matt Horne
Craig McMillan
Chris Martin
Mark Richardson
Daryl Tuffey
Daniel Vettori
Lou Vincent

Jacob Oram, Scott Styris, Chris Nevin, Paul Hitchcock and Matthew Hart are the players in the one-day side who have not been included in the Test team.

Chris Martin, Mark Richardson and Robbie Hart will join the team in the West Indies for the Test leg of the tour.

The one-day squad will fly out from Auckland for Jamaica on May 28.

© New Zealand Cricket


Teams New Zealand.
Players/Umpires Paul Hitchcock, Matthew Hart, Sir Richard Hadlee, Andre Adams, Brooke Walker, Daniel Vettori, Shane Bond, Nathan Astle, Jacob Oram, Stephen Fleming, Ian Butler, Chris Harris, Matt Horne, Craig McMillan, Chris Nevin, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, Lou Vincent, Robbie Hart, Chris Martin, Mark Richardson.
Tours New Zealand in West Indies