Nash misses Test selection

New Zealand all-rounder Dion Nash was omitted from the Test squad announced on Monday to take on Pakistan in a three-Test series beginning in Peshawar on October 2.

Nash, who suffered a second stress fracture in his back in Zimbabwe a year ago, returned to international cricket for the tri-nations one-day series in Sri Lanka in July and will play in the three one-day internationals on the first part of the Pakistan tour.

Keeping Nash out of the rigours of Test match cricket is in line with recent New Zealand Cricket policy of bringing players back slowly after a catastrophic injury toll during last year's tour to Zimbabwe, Kenya and South Africa.

Nash may be fit enough to take a full part in the three Test tour of Australia in November and December.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Daniel Vettori is in the 15-man squad picked by selectors Sir Richard Hadlee, Brian McKechnie, Ross Dykes and new national coach Denis Aberhart.

Vettori, the youngest spinner to take 100 Test wickets, suffered a similar back injury in Zimbabwe and has been nursed back to international Test match cricket via one-day matches.

Another player back from injury is left-arm seamer Shayne O'Connor. He suffered a knee injury in domestic cricket last summer and missed the home Test series against Pakistan.

All-rounder Chris Cairns, who underwent knee surgery in February, ruled himself out of the Pakistan tour, but should be fit again for the Australian tour.

Wicketkeeper Adam Parore, dropped from the one-day squad, is included in the Test party which includes three prospective Test debutants.

The three are: Auckland batsman Lou Vincent and Central Districts right-arm off break all-rounder Glen Sulzberger, and Central Districts right-arm medium pace all-rounder Jacob Oram.

The 22-year-old Vincent has enjoyed a quick rise to Test status. He made his international debut against Sri Lanka in the one-day series in February and has since played in 17 limited-over matches.

Sulzberger, 28, has been on the New Zealand first class scene for several years and his potential has shone, particularly with the bat, but his off-breaks have also proved useful.

Oram was named in the Test squad for two Tests against Pakistan in New Zealand last summer, but was 12th man each occasion.

The New Zealand touring squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Matthew Bell, James Franklin, Chris Martin, Craig McMillan, Shayne O'Connor, Jacob Oram, Adam Parore, Mark Richardson, Mathew Sinclair, Glen Sulzberger, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.

Six players have been placed on standby.

They are - Paul Wiseman, Brooke Walker, Shane Bond, Chris Nevin, Hamish Marshall, Matthew Horne.

Mail Cricket Editor