http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TG-Southee-c2659 dropped for second Test match – Cricket News Update
Following a disappointing outing in the first Test match at Dunedin, Tim Southee has been dropped from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757, starting on Thursday March 15, 2012, in Hamilton.
“Tim Southee hasn't been included. He's a talented young fast bowler and we are confident he will return to the Plunket Shield and continue to put pressure on those in the Test team," said Kim Littlejohn, New Zealand national selection manager.
The 23-year-old impressed on his International Test debut against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 in 2008, where he picked up a 5-wicket haul before smashing 77 off just 40 balls, which included 9 sixes. His progress however, has been slow since then, where injuries and poor form
has forced him out of contention.
His recent performances against the Proteas were also mediocre, where he managed just 6 scalps in 2ODIs and 3T20s, while remained wicket less in the drawn first Test match.
Southee’s exclusion has opened a pacer’s slot, with 32-year-old veteran Mark Gillespie all set to make a comeback into the national mix after a gap of 3 years.
"http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mark-Gillespie-c1904 returns to international cricket after showing good form recently and provides and a strong and reliable bowling option,” said Kim.
Gillespie made his international ODI debut against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 in 2006 and has represented his side in 32 ODIs with a bowling average of 37. He has featured in just 3 Test matches; with the last longer version game saw him picking 5 wickets against South Africa.
The 32-year-old right-arm pacer once held the record for the best T20 bowling figures, where he picked up 4 wickets for just 7 runs against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World Twenty20 Cup.
The Tawa Terror (Gillespie), who was included on the back of some impressive bowling performances for Tawa Cricket Club in New Zealand’s Domestic Cricket, will be eyeing an permanent spot in the national side.
New Zealand Squad: http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KS-Williamson-c1813.
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