TelstraClear Black Caps team to meet Sri Lanka named

TelstraClear Black Caps chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee today named the team to play Sri Lanka at Goodyear Park, Bloemfontein tomorrow (Monday, February 10).

The team is:

Stephen Fleming (captain)
Andre Adams
Nathan Astle
Shane Bond
Chris Cairns
Chris Harris
Craig McMillan
Jacob Oram
Scott Styris
Daryl Tuffey
Daniel Vettori
Lou Vincent

Mathew Sinclair, Brendon McCullum and Kyle Mills are not playing.

Hadlee said choosing the team had been difficult because of the intense competition in the squad for places.

"All of the players who missed out on selection have trained well and could comfortably slot into the side.

"However, we have chosen the team we believe can best execute our game plan against Sri Lanka.

"This includes the three pace bowlers, Bond, Oram and Tuffey who performed consistently for us during the domestic season.

"They should extract good pace and bounce from what looks to be a fairly hard surface at Goodyear Park.

"Andre Adams is also included in the 12 for his ability to turn a game with either his batting, bowling or fielding."

Hadlee went on to emphasise the importance of the team's first match in the competition.

"We have prepared well for this match and we are aware that the outcome of it could have a direct impact on how far we go in this World Cup."