Spearman named in FICA World XI squad

Craig Spearman has been added to the FICA World XI squad which will play three one-day matches against New Zealand later this month. Spearman replaces Andy Flower, who was named in the original squad but has since withdrawn. Spearman has played Tests and one-day internationals for New Zealand, but is now based in England and will become eligible to play for them at the end of 2005.

Meanwhile, Michael Bevan, who was scheduled to play the last match of the series, has also been forced to withdraw after being named captain of the Prime Minister's XI, which will take on the West Indians on January 25, a day before the game in New Zealand.

Commenting on Bevan's appointment as captain, Tim May, the chief executive of FICA, said: "Although we are disappointed to lose Michael's services for game three in the series versus the Black Caps, we congratulate him on his selection to captain the Prime Minister's XI. We have made a decision not to replace him as he was only appearing in the final match and Justin Langer's arrival for that game will sufficiently bolster the squad."

The three matches will be played on January 22, 24 and 26, and proceeds from the games will go towards providing relief to the victims of the tsunami disaster which hit south Asia on December 26.