Kiwis announce team for first Test against Proteas, Nicol, Ellis new faces

Auckland (New Zealand), Mar. 2 (ANI): Canterbury opener Rob Nicol and all-rounder Andrew Ellis are the new faces in the New Zealand test team named to face South Africa in the first Test to be played at the University Oval in Dunedin from next Wednesday.

Nicol has performed well for the Black Caps in limited overs cricket, and has been included in the Test squad after middle order batsman Dean Brownlie was omitted due to a finger injury.

Allrounder Ellis was the surprise inclusion in the 13-man squad unveiled in Auckland today while Northern Districts bowler Brent Arnel has also won a recall. Jesse Ryder was a notable omission from the squad.

The other 10 players in the squad all started in the recent one-sided test win over Zimbabwe.

"We are pleased with the way the test team has performed this summer and this group is looking forward to the challenge of continuing that success," stuff.co.nz quoted national selection manager Kim Littlejohn, as saying.

He added: "Both Rob and Andrew have shown promise against South Africa in limited overs cricket and we believe they can transfer their form across to the test matches. Sam Wells, who was part of the squad who played Zimbabwe, is unlucky to miss out, but we decided to include players will a bit more cricket under their belt. He still remains part of our thinking for the future."

The test squad is as follows: Ross Taylor (capt), Brent Arnel, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Andrew Ellis, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Rob Nicol, Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori, BJ Watling and Kane Williamson. (ANI)