ODI hero Guptill recalled to New Zealand Test squad

WELLINGTON: The return of World Cup star Martin Guptill and a call-up for fast-bowler Matt Henry headlined the New Zealand Test squad named on Saturday for the series against England starting next month.

Guptill, the leading run scorer in the recent World Cup, has not been required for Test duty since playing the last of his 31 internationals on the New Zealand tour to England in 2013.

He has two centuries to his name, including a highest score of 189 and has a batting average of 29.62.

"Martin's a classically-styled batsman and there's really no reason why he can't be as influential in the longer game as he is in the short," coach Mike Hesson said when naming the team.

However, although included in the 15-man squad, the ODI opener is not assured of breaking into the starting XI and Hesson said he would have a chance to stake his claim in warm-up games against Somerset and Worcester.

"This is a stable, established Test side but there will be opportunities for contenders," Hesson said, with Hamish Rutherford and Tom Latham the incumbent openers.

Henry, who was thrust into the World Cup squad for the last two games following injury to Adam Milne, breaks into the Test squad through injury to James Neesham.

"It's another step up for Matt but we've been impressed by the maturity and skill-set he's already shown in the ODI format," Hesson said.

Given conditions expected in England in May and June, Mark Craig is the sole specialist spinner selected.

Following the retirements of Daniel Vettori and Kyle Mills after the World Cup, in which New Zealand were beaten by seven wickets by Australia in the final, all-rounder Mitchell Santner is the one-newcomer to the ODI squad, with Milne also returning.

The 23-year-old Santner averaged 36.22 with the bat during New Zealand's recent domestic season and took 11 wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin.

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling will captain the side in the warm-up games while Brendon McCullum completes Indian Premier League commitments.

Test Squad: Brendon McCullum (Otago, captain), Corey Anderson (Northern Knights), Trent Boult (Northern Knights), Doug Bracewell (Central Stags), Mark Craig (Otago), Martin Guptill (Auckland), Matt Henry (Canterbury), Tom Latham (Canterbury), Luke Ronchi (Wellington), Hamish Rutherford (Otago), Tim Southee (Northern Knights), Ross Taylor (Central Stags), Neil Wagner (Otago), BJ Watling (Northern Knights), Kane Williamson (Northern Knights)

ODI and Twenty20 squad: McCullum, Anderson, Boult, Grant Elliott (Wellington), Guptill, Henry, Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan (Auckland), Nathan McCullum (Otago), Adam Milne (Central Stags), Ronchi (Wellington), Mitchell Santner (Northern Knights), Southee, Taylor, Williamson

Itinerary

May 8-11 v Somerset, Taunton Vale

May 14-17 v Worcester, New Road

May 21-25 v England, First Test, Lords

May 29-June 2 v England, Second Test, Headingly

June 6 v Leicester, Grace Road

June 9 v England, first ODI , Edgbaston

June 12 v England second ODI, Kia Oval

June 14 v England third ODI, Rose Bowl

June 17 v England fourth ODI, Trent Bridge

June 20 v England fifth ODI, Riverside

June 23 v England Twenty20, Old Trafford

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ODI hero Guptill recalled to New Zealand Test squad

WELLINGTON: The return of World Cup star Martin Guptill and a call-up for fast-bowler Matt Henry headlined the New Zealand Test squad named on Saturday for the series against England starting next month.

Guptill, the leading run scorer in the recent World Cup, has not been required for Test duty since playing the last of his 31 internationals on the New Zealand tour to England in 2013.

He has two centuries to his name, including a highest score of 189 and has a batting average of 29.62.

"Martin's a classically-styled batsman and there's really no reason why he can't be as influential in the longer game as he is in the short," coach Mike Hesson said when naming the team.

However, although included in the 15-man squad, the ODI opener is not assured of breaking into the starting XI and Hesson said he would have a chance to stake his claim in warm-up games against Somerset and Worcester.

"This is a stable, established Test side but there will be opportunities for contenders," Hesson said, with Hamish Rutherford and Tom Latham the incumbent openers.

Henry, who was thrust into the World Cup squad for the last two games following injury to Adam Milne, breaks into the Test squad through injury to James Neesham.

"It's another step up for Matt but we've been impressed by the maturity and skill-set he's already shown in the ODI format," Hesson said.

Given conditions expected in England in May and June, Mark Craig is the sole specialist spinner selected.

Following the retirements of Daniel Vettori and Kyle Mills after the World Cup, in which New Zealand were beaten by seven wickets by Australia in the final, all-rounder Mitchell Santner is the one-newcomer to the ODI squad, with Milne also returning.

The 23-year-old Santner averaged 36.22 with the bat during New Zealand's recent domestic season and took 11 wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin.

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling will captain the side in the warm-up games while Brendon McCullum completes Indian Premier League commitments.

Test Squad: Brendon McCullum (Otago, captain), Corey Anderson (Northern Knights), Trent Boult (Northern Knights), Doug Bracewell (Central Stags), Mark Craig (Otago), Martin Guptill (Auckland), Matt Henry (Canterbury), Tom Latham (Canterbury), Luke Ronchi (Wellington), Hamish Rutherford (Otago), Tim Southee (Northern Knights), Ross Taylor (Central Stags), Neil Wagner (Otago), BJ Watling (Northern Knights), Kane Williamson (Northern Knights)

ODI and Twenty20 squad: McCullum, Anderson, Boult, Grant Elliott (Wellington), Guptill, Henry, Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan (Auckland), Nathan McCullum (Otago), Adam Milne (Central Stags), Ronchi (Wellington), Mitchell Santner (Northern Knights), Southee, Taylor, Williamson

Itinerary

May 8-11 v Somerset, Taunton Vale

May 14-17 v Worcester, New Road

May 21-25 v England, First Test, Lords

May 29-June 2 v England, Second Test, Headingly

June 6 v Leicester, Grace Road

June 9 v England, first ODI , Edgbaston

June 12 v England second ODI, Kia Oval

June 14 v England third ODI, Rose Bowl

June 17 v England fourth ODI, Trent Bridge

June 20 v England fifth ODI, Riverside

June 23 v England Twenty20, Old Trafford

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Indian umpires close to being in elite panel again: Taufel

NEW DELHI: India may not have had an umpire in the ICC elite panel for more than a decade but celebrated Australian Simon Taufel feels officials from the country are close to making the exclusive group again thanks to the Cricket Board's efforts.

Taufel, the winner of ICC's best umpire award from 2004 to 2008 before he called it a day in 2012, is in the country to conduct a match officials' workshop ahead of the IPL starting April 8.

Currently the ICC's umpire performance and training manager, Taufel said India, whose last representative in the elite panel was S Venkataraghvan (1993-2004), are close to having one again.

"It takes a long time to produce Test level and elite umpires. It takes a lot of investment, support programmes and development, just like it takes to produce top-level cricketers. I cannot tell you why we haven't had many Indian umpires in the ICC elite panel but I know that we are close," Taufel told 'iplt20.com'.

"I am pleased to see that the BCCI is producing a really, really strong pool of first-class umpires. We will see the cream rise up to the top-level," he said.

The Australian said Indian officials are gaining international exposure like never before and this will ensure their presence in the elite panel soon.

"There is no doubt that more and more Indian umpires are getting opportunities at the highest level. We have undertaken exchange programmes with them, they are getting opportunities at World T20 events and we have had them in the World Cup as well," he said.

"Last year we had an Indian umpire officiating in the IPL final for the first time. We are making progress. All the work we are putting in is producing results, and that is important," Taufel added.

Talking about umpires and the challenges they face in general, Taufel conceded that the job is mentally draining and the world body is introducing mechanisms to deal with it.

"...for the 2015 World Cup preparation we engaged a sports psychologist in Melbourne to help the umpires stay in the present, keep a clear mind and be more self-aware when they start to get a bit distracted," Taufel said.

"We live in an age where an umpire has his decision dissect in front of him and he gets an instant feedback on whether he has got it right or wrong. So, mentally, their game is incredibly tough now," he added.

"I have no doubt that an umpire's job is primarily mental. He needs to be mentally strong, confident to do the right thing and have skills to deal with different personalities."

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Indian umpires close to being in elite panel again: Taufel

NEW DELHI: India may not have had an umpire in the ICC elite panel for more than a decade but celebrated Australian Simon Taufel feels officials from the country are close to making the exclusive group again thanks to the Cricket Board's efforts.

Taufel, the winner of ICC's best umpire award from 2004 to 2008 before he called it a day in 2012, is in the country to conduct a match officials' workshop ahead of the IPL starting April 8.

Currently the ICC's umpire performance and training manager, Taufel said India, whose last representative in the elite panel was S Venkataraghvan (1993-2004), are close to having one again.

"It takes a long time to produce Test level and elite umpires. It takes a lot of investment, support programmes and development, just like it takes to produce top-level cricketers. I cannot tell you why we haven't had many Indian umpires in the ICC elite panel but I know that we are close," Taufel told 'iplt20.com'.

"I am pleased to see that the BCCI is producing a really, really strong pool of first-class umpires. We will see the cream rise up to the top-level," he said.

The Australian said Indian officials are gaining international exposure like never before and this will ensure their presence in the elite panel soon.

"There is no doubt that more and more Indian umpires are getting opportunities at the highest level. We have undertaken exchange programmes with them, they are getting opportunities at World T20 events and we have had them in the World Cup as well," he said.

"Last year we had an Indian umpire officiating in the IPL final for the first time. We are making progress. All the work we are putting in is producing results, and that is important," Taufel added.

Talking about umpires and the challenges they face in general, Taufel conceded that the job is mentally draining and the world body is introducing mechanisms to deal with it.

"...for the 2015 World Cup preparation we engaged a sports psychologist in Melbourne to help the umpires stay in the present, keep a clear mind and be more self-aware when they start to get a bit distracted," Taufel said.

"We live in an age where an umpire has his decision dissect in front of him and he gets an instant feedback on whether he has got it right or wrong. So, mentally, their game is incredibly tough now," he added.

"I have no doubt that an umpire's job is primarily mental. He needs to be mentally strong, confident to do the right thing and have skills to deal with different personalities."

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ODI hero Guptill recalled to New Zealand Test squad

WELLINGTON: The return of World Cup star Martin Guptill and a call-up for fast-bowler Matt Henry headlined the New Zealand Test squad named on Saturday for the series against England starting next month.

Guptill, the leading run scorer in the recent World Cup, has not been required for Test duty since playing the last of his 31 internationals on the New Zealand tour to England in 2013.

He has two centuries to his name, including a highest score of 189 and has a batting average of 29.62.

"Martin's a classically-styled batsman and there's really no reason why he can't be as influential in the longer game as he is in the short," coach Mike Hesson said when naming the team.

However, although included in the 15-man squad, the ODI opener is not assured of breaking into the starting XI and Hesson said he would have a chance to stake his claim in warm-up games against Somerset and Worcester.

"This is a stable, established Test side but there will be opportunities for contenders," Hesson said, with Hamish Rutherford and Tom Latham the incumbent openers.

Henry, who was thrust into the World Cup squad for the last two games following injury to Adam Milne, breaks into the Test squad through injury to James Neesham.

"It's another step up for Matt but we've been impressed by the maturity and skill-set he's already shown in the ODI format," Hesson said.

Given conditions expected in England in May and June, Mark Craig is the sole specialist spinner selected.

Following the retirements of Daniel Vettori and Kyle Mills after the World Cup, in which New Zealand were beaten by seven wickets by Australia in the final, all-rounder Mitchell Santner is the one-newcomer to the ODI squad, with Milne also returning.

The 23-year-old Santner averaged 36.22 with the bat during New Zealand's recent domestic season and took 11 wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin.

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling will captain the side in the warm-up games while Brendon McCullum completes Indian Premier League commitments.

Test Squad: Brendon McCullum (Otago, captain), Corey Anderson (Northern Knights), Trent Boult (Northern Knights), Doug Bracewell (Central Stags), Mark Craig (Otago), Martin Guptill (Auckland), Matt Henry (Canterbury), Tom Latham (Canterbury), Luke Ronchi (Wellington), Hamish Rutherford (Otago), Tim Southee (Northern Knights), Ross Taylor (Central Stags), Neil Wagner (Otago), BJ Watling (Northern Knights), Kane Williamson (Northern Knights)

ODI and Twenty20 squad: McCullum, Anderson, Boult, Grant Elliott (Wellington), Guptill, Henry, Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan (Auckland), Nathan McCullum (Otago), Adam Milne (Central Stags), Ronchi (Wellington), Mitchell Santner (Northern Knights), Southee, Taylor, Williamson

Itinerary

May 8-11 v Somerset, Taunton Vale

May 14-17 v Worcester, New Road

May 21-25 v England, First Test, Lords

May 29-June 2 v England, Second Test, Headingly

June 6 v Leicester, Grace Road

June 9 v England, first ODI , Edgbaston

June 12 v England second ODI, Kia Oval

June 14 v England third ODI, Rose Bowl

June 17 v England fourth ODI, Trent Bridge

June 20 v England fifth ODI, Riverside

June 23 v England Twenty20, Old Trafford

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Aditya Verma's CAB hopeful of getting affiliation from BCCI

PATNA: Exuding confidence that the BCCI will favourably consider proposal to grant affiliation to the Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB), its secretary Aditya Verma on Friday said it is only a matter of time that cricketers of Bihar get to take part in Ranji Trophy and other tournaments.

"We have taken up the issue of getting affiliation with BCCI bosses who have assured us that they will favourably consider such a proposal to recognize our association as the official representative body for promotion of cricket in Bihar," he told reporters.

Verma recently met BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and secretary Anurag Thakur and pleaded with them to grant affiliation to the CAB.

The CAB secretary had hogged national limelight when a PIL filed by him barred BCCI's the then president N Srinivasan from contesting any election on grounds of conflict of interest.

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Aditya Verma's CAB hopeful of getting affiliation from BCCI

PATNA: Exuding confidence that the BCCI will favourably consider proposal to grant affiliation to the Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB), its secretary Aditya Verma on Friday said it is only a matter of time that cricketers of Bihar get to take part in Ranji Trophy and other tournaments.

"We have taken up the issue of getting affiliation with BCCI bosses who have assured us that they will favourably consider such a proposal to recognize our association as the official representative body for promotion of cricket in Bihar," he told reporters.

Verma recently met BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and secretary Anurag Thakur and pleaded with them to grant affiliation to the CAB.

The CAB secretary had hogged national limelight when a PIL filed by him barred BCCI's the then president N Srinivasan from contesting any election on grounds of conflict of interest.

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ODI hero Guptill recalled to New Zealand Test squad

WELLINGTON: The return of World Cup star Martin Guptill and a call-up for fast-bowler Matt Henry headlined the New Zealand Test squad named on Saturday for the series against England starting next month.

Guptill, the leading run scorer in the recent World Cup, has not been required for Test duty since playing the last of his 31 internationals on the New Zealand tour to England in 2013.

He has two centuries to his name, including a highest score of 189 and has a batting average of 29.62.

"Martin's a classically-styled batsman and there's really no reason why he can't be as influential in the longer game as he is in the short," coach Mike Hesson said when naming the team.

However, although included in the 15-man squad, the ODI opener is not assured of breaking into the starting XI and Hesson said he would have a chance to stake his claim in warm-up games against Somerset and Worcester.

"This is a stable, established Test side but there will be opportunities for contenders," Hesson said, with Hamish Rutherford and Tom Latham the incumbent openers.

Henry, who was thrust into the World Cup squad for the last two games following injury to Adam Milne, breaks into the Test squad through injury to James Neesham.

"It's another step up for Matt but we've been impressed by the maturity and skill-set he's already shown in the ODI format," Hesson said.

Given conditions expected in England in May and June, Mark Craig is the sole specialist spinner selected.

Following the retirements of Daniel Vettori and Kyle Mills after the World Cup, in which New Zealand were beaten by seven wickets by Australia in the final, all-rounder Mitchell Santner is the one-newcomer to the ODI squad, with Milne also returning.

The 23-year-old Santner averaged 36.22 with the bat during New Zealand's recent domestic season and took 11 wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin.

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling will captain the side in the warm-up games while Brendon McCullum completes Indian Premier League commitments.

Test Squad: Brendon McCullum (Otago, captain), Corey Anderson (Northern Knights), Trent Boult (Northern Knights), Doug Bracewell (Central Stags), Mark Craig (Otago), Martin Guptill (Auckland), Matt Henry (Canterbury), Tom Latham (Canterbury), Luke Ronchi (Wellington), Hamish Rutherford (Otago), Tim Southee (Northern Knights), Ross Taylor (Central Stags), Neil Wagner (Otago), BJ Watling (Northern Knights), Kane Williamson (Northern Knights)

ODI and Twenty20 squad: McCullum, Anderson, Boult, Grant Elliott (Wellington), Guptill, Henry, Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan (Auckland), Nathan McCullum (Otago), Adam Milne (Central Stags), Ronchi (Wellington), Mitchell Santner (Northern Knights), Southee, Taylor, Williamson

Itinerary

May 8-11 v Somerset, Taunton Vale

May 14-17 v Worcester, New Road

May 21-25 v England, First Test, Lords

May 29-June 2 v England, Second Test, Headingly

June 6 v Leicester, Grace Road

June 9 v England, first ODI , Edgbaston

June 12 v England second ODI, Kia Oval

June 14 v England third ODI, Rose Bowl

June 17 v England fourth ODI, Trent Bridge

June 20 v England fifth ODI, Riverside

June 23 v England Twenty20, Old Trafford

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Aditya Verma's CAB hopeful of getting affiliation from BCCI

PATNA: Exuding confidence that the BCCI will favourably consider proposal to grant affiliation to the Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB), its secretary Aditya Verma on Friday said it is only a matter of time that cricketers of Bihar get to take part in Ranji Trophy and other tournaments.

"We have taken up the issue of getting affiliation with BCCI bosses who have assured us that they will favourably consider such a proposal to recognize our association as the official representative body for promotion of cricket in Bihar," he told reporters.

Verma recently met BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and secretary Anurag Thakur and pleaded with them to grant affiliation to the CAB.

The CAB secretary had hogged national limelight when a PIL filed by him barred BCCI's the then president N Srinivasan from contesting any election on grounds of conflict of interest.

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Jayasuria-led selection panel quits after SLC revamp

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan cricket team's selection panel headed by former captain Sanath Jayasuriya on Friday resigned following the recent revamp of the SLC administration.

The Jayasuriya-led panel's term was nearing completion but the new interim committee had hinted at not giving an extension to the current lot of selectors.

His tenure was originally due to end on March 31, but with the postponement of the Sri Lanka Cricket elections, was extended by a further month.

In his resignation letter to Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake, Jayasuriya says, "I am extremely proud and happy that during my tenure Sri Lanka was able to emerge world champions in T20, win the Asia Cup and a long awaited series against England.

"I am always available if Sri Lanka Cricket needs me to serve the country in the future,", said Jayasuriya.

"I take this opportunity of wishing the National team and Srilanka cricket all success in their future endeavors," he added.

On April 1, a new interim committee took up cricket administration after the sports minister fired the body headed by Jayantha Dharmadasa.

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sidath Wettimuny has assumed duties as SLC chairman.

It was learnt that Jayasuriya came under fire for his selection in the quarter-final of the recently concluded Cricket World Cup, where Sri Lanka lost in a lopsided contest against South Africa.

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