McMillan to captain Kiwis in Sharjah

Craig McMillan replaces Stephen Fleming as New Zealand's captain for next month's Sharjah one-day tournament, New Zealand Cricket said on Saturday.

Fleming and several of his team mates are to be rested from the side due to replace India at the three-nation tournament, from April 8 to 20, which involves Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

New Zealand said on Friday they have been invited to join the tournament in place of India, but Indian officials said they are still waiting for the Indian government to clear their participation.

McMillan produced a gripping performance in New Zealand's innings defeat of Pakistan in the third Test in Hamilton on Friday, scoring 98 including a world record 26 from one over.

The side he will lead to Sharjah will be without many top players.

All-rounder Nathan Astle, wicketkeeper Adam Parore and fast bowler Chris Martin are also being rested after consultation with medical staff. Batsman Roger Twose is unavailable and bowlers Daniel Vettori and Shayne O'Connor are injured, New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

"Fleming, Astle and Parore have played continuously for the past six months and the demands of Test cricket have also taken their toll on Chris Martin who has lost a significant amount of weight," New Zealand Cricket said.

As well as those named in the statement New Zealand have a long list of long-term injured players including Chris Cairns, Geoff Allott, Dion Nash and Scott Styris.

One new cap, Auckland all-rounder Kyle Mills, was named in the Sharjah squad.

The New Zealand squad:

Craig McMillan (captain), Andre Adams, Matthew Bell, Grant Bradburn, James Franklin, Chris Harris, Kyle Mills, Chris Nevin, Jacob Oram, Mathew Sinclair, Daryl Tuffey, Lou Vincent, Brooke Walker.

Mail Cricket Editor