New Zealand name Test squad for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Todd-Astle-c2697 gets maiden call-up – Cricket News Update
New Zealand Cricket selectors have called up uncapped all-rounder Todd Astle in their Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Astle, the 26-year-old http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Canterbury-c775 leg-spinner, has taken 127 wickets in 55 First class matches, at an average of 34.79, and averages 22 with the bat. He was the second-highest wicket-taking spinner in the Plunket Shield last season, with 31 scalps at 38.35.
New Zealand Cricket’s selection manager Kim Littlejohn said that Astle’s all-round ability earned him selectors’ nod ahead of other bowlers.
"He has the ability to contribute in all three facets of the game and deserves his opportunity after a putting in consistent performances over a number of seasons," said Littlejohn of Astle, after announcing the squad.
The Canterbury leg-spinner will have a strong chance of making his Test debut in spin-friendly sub-continent conditions, given that Jeetan Patel is the only other spinner in the 15-man Test side picked up to tour the Island nation later this month. Veteran left-arm spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 tour.
“Tarun Nethula has missed out on selection this time. We think he would benefit from a return to regular first-class cricket where he can get some overs under his belt and stake his claim for reselection,” said Littlejohn.
Opening batsman http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BJ-Watling-c1172 failed to make the cut in the Test side. The NZC selection manager said that Watling was not included in the Test squad in a bid to give him more time in the Plunket Shield.
The Black Caps are scheduled to play two Tests against Sri Lanka, at Galle and Colombo, between the November 17 and 29. The Test series will be preceded by a one-off T20 International and five One Day Internationals, but Astle is not part of the T20 and ODIs squads.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KS-Williamson-c1813.
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