NZ Test call-up for Wells
01/22/2012 08:52:48 PM
New Zealand have brought batting all-rounder Sam Wells into their camp ahead of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe starting on Thursday, bringing their squad numbers up to 13.
The 27-year-old Otago player has been rewarded for consistency in first-class cricket over the past few seasons, averaging 38.10 in 21 matches with the bat and 34.27 with the ball.
He tops Otago's Plunket Shield run-scoring charts this year with 228 at 38 and also scored a handy 65 on the first day of the New Zealand XI's warm-up match against Zimbabwe, which is still in progress.
He also took 1-26 from 11 tidy overs, dismissing Ray Price early on Monday to end Zimbabwe's innings at 329.
Wells is unlikely to make his Test debut unless injury strikes, however, and may miss out along with wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk from the 13-man squad.
"Sam is a talented all-rounder and we are confident if the opportunity arises he will perform well at international level for New Zealand," coach John Wright said.
“He has impressed during the three-day match (against Zimbabwe) in Gisborne with the bat and his skills with the ball will give good balance to the side.”
Play started at 9:30am in Gisborne on day three to allow more travelling time for those involved in the first Test at Napier's McLean Park.