Daniel Vettori’s injury-enforced absence has opened the way for spinner Jeetan Patel’s inclusion in a 15-strong New Zealand squad named for the coming two-Test tour of India.
National selection manager Kim Littlejohn said Vettori hadn’t recovered from the groin injury he suffered in the nine-wicket first Test loss to the West Indies.
“But his injury has created an opportunity for Jeetan Patel to come back into the side.
Jeetan has been in great form for Warwickshire and deserves his opportunity,” Littlejohn said.
James Franklin, who has 27 Tests for New Zealand under his belt, also makes a comeback after playing Twenty20 cricket for Essex in England.
Littlejohn says the allrounder has been brought into the squad to bolster the batting.
“He also brings a lot of experience and knowledge of playing in Indian conditions which will be invaluable,” he said.
Franklin replaces Dean Brownlie, who is still seen as a player for the future.
“But at this stage, we feel he needs to work on parts of his game – there’s no doubt he will work hard to regain selection,” Littlejohn said.
The first Test begins on August 23 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, with the second in Bengaluru from August 31.
The Indian tour ends with three Twenty20 matches.
New Zealand: Ross Taylor (capt), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Daniel Flynn, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Tarun Nethula, Jeetan Patel, Tim Southee, Kruger van Wyk, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.