Horne, Martin axed by NZ for third Test

Opening batsman Matt Horne and fast bowler Chris Martin were dropped by New Zealand on Tuesday for the third and final Test against England in Auckland which starts on Saturday.

Recalled to the 12-man squad were fast bowler Daryl Tuffey and one-day specialists Chris Harris and Andre Adams, who has yet to play in a Test match.

Horne, who missed last season's Tests against Pakistan because of illness, was recalled with moderate success for the series against Bangladesh in December.

He also played in the first two Tests against England in Christchurch and Wellington, scoring 12, three, eight and 38.

Martin, one of the new crop of fast bowlers brought into the Test side following an injury crisis last season, was 12th man in the defeat in Christchurch but played in the drawn game in Wellington, picking up two wickets.

Chairman of selectors Richard Hadlee said there was a need to strengthen the middle and late-order batting and to come up with some different bowling options.

"Being behind 1-0 in the series, we are in a position now where we need to take the initiative and make things happen," said Hadlee.

DYNAMIC ADAMS

"Andre Adams is a dynamic player who can make an impact with both the bat and ball. His ability to swing the ball could be useful in Auckland conditions and we all know what a dangerous lower order batsman he is."

Hadlee added that the role of Adams's fellow all-rounder Harris would be determined by the nature of the portable pitch which will be used at Eden Park.

He said there was a chance the pitch would be low and slow, which would suit Harris's leg-spinners or leg cutters.

Tuffey was named in the squad for the Wellington Test but was released to play for Northern Districts against Canterbury when he was left out of the starting 11.

He proceeded to take seven wickets for 69 runs, which Hadlee said "made his point".

In Horne's absence, Mark Richardson's opening partner will be Lou Vincent, who went in first on his debut against Australia in Perth last November and scored 104 and 54.

All three newcomers are set to play in Auckland, with 20-year-old paceman Ian Butler likely to be left out.

Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Andre Adams, Nathan Astle, Ian Butler, Chris Drum, Chris Harris, Craig McMillan, Adam Parore, Mark Richardson, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.

Mail Cricket Editor