TelstraClear Black Caps team for fifth one-day match named

New Zealand Cricket chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee today named the TelstraClear Black Caps 12-man team to play India in the fifth National Bank Series One-Day International at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday.

The players are:

Stephen Fleming (captain)
Andre Adams
Nathan Astle
Shane Bond
Chris Harris
Brendon McCullum
Kyle Mills
Jacob Oram
Mathew Sinclair
Scott Styris
Daryl Tuffey
Daniel Vettori

Hadlee said that Craig McMillan, who has been omitted from the side, would play for the State Canterbury Wizards tomorrow (January 7) in their State Shield match against the State Central Districts Stags. He will also play in the four-day State Championship match between the same two teams starting on January 9.

"Craig has been struggling for form with the bat and has some technical issues to address.

"We would like him to concentrate on rectifying these and we think it would be easier for him to do this at a domestic level where there is less pressure."

Hadlee also said that Shane Bond had proved his fitness yesterday in Canterbury's match against Wellington, where he bowled eight overs and scored 40 runs.

"Shane has been cleared by the medical panel and will rejoin the team in Wellington today."

Chris Cairns, who also played for the State Canterbury Wizards yesterday, was most likely to be considered for the last two One-Day International matches Hadlee said.

"Chris will apply for Canterbury again tomorrow and, all going well, will be available for selection for the sixth One-Day International in Auckland."

Hadlee also said that Daniel Vettori, who has done little bowling in the series to date, will be playing for the State Northern Knights tomorrow in their match against the State Wellington Firebirds and will rejoin the TelstraClear Black Caps before the One-Day International on Wednesday.

"With the seam bowlers dominating the Indian batsman to the extent they have so far in the series, Daniel has not been required to play much of a role with the ball.

"He has decided he would like to get a few overs under his belt and, with that in mind and our support, he is heading back to Hamilton today to play for Northern Districts.

"The selectors and management team are pleased that Daniel has been proactive in recognising the need to get more through more work for the betterment of himself the team and New Zealand Cricket and we commend him for his decision."