And the winner is...

BJ Watling has today been named wicket keeper for the Black Caps for the one off Test against Zimbabwe, which gets underway in Napier tomorrow morning. Watling had competition for the gloves from Black Caps newcomer, Kruger van Wyk, but after a solid performance against Zimbabwe in the three day warm-up game, he’s been given the nod from John Wright.

Watling, who has opened the batting for the Black Caps in Tests, will bat down the order at 7, behind the likes of Dean Brownlie and Daniel Vettori. Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum will once again open the batting, and will be hoping to continue the form they’ve shown in the HRV Cup recently, although obviously they’ll be looking to spend more time out in the middle than just 20 over’s.

Wright has gone with four seamer’s to lead the bowling attack, with the same four who dismantled the Aussies in Hobart back to hopefully dismantle Zimbabwe. Those four are Chris Martin, Tim Southee, Doug Bracewell, and Trent Boult. Vettori will provide the spin attack, but it looks like the pitch will favour the four quick’s, not that Vettori won’t be any less dangerous with the ball.

With Wright selecting four seamer’s there is no room in the starting line-up for surprise selection Sam Wells, the Otago all-rounder, who will more than likely carry the drinks as twelfth man. Given that the following Test series is against the might of South Africa, it’s unlikely we’ll see Wells make his debut this summer, but if injury or drastic loss of form strikes one of the bowlers, he may just get thrust into the big time.

With summer about to move into its final month here in New Zealand it seems strange that we’re only now starting to talk about international cricket. I suppose it’s better late than not at all, but with rugby and league almost upon us, the Black Caps are going to have to perform at their absolute best to keep the general public interested. Cricket diehards will no doubt be jumping out of the skin for the Black Caps to get out onto the pitch, but it’s everyone else that NZ Cricket will be hoping tunes in.

Best way for people to tune in is with the Black Caps playing great cricket. If they struggle with the bat as they have for a long time now in Tests, then people might just find some other way to occupy their time over the next five days.

It’s all in the hands of the Black Caps.

Chris on Twitter

Photo credit - Marty Melville