New Zealand have named uncapped seamer Iain O'Brien in their 12-man squad for next week's first Test against Australia at Christchurch. Opening batsman Craig Cumming, who has played 11 one-day internationals, is also in line to make his Test debut.
Lou Vincent is back after a 14-month absence, having scored 563 runs at an average of 112 in domestic cricket.
Scott Styris (bruised knee) and Michael Papps, hit on the head by a Brett Lee bouncer on Saturday, are unavailable.
Shane Bond, Ian Butler, Jacob Oram, Michael Mason, and Andre Adams are also missing through injury and illness.
But Nathan Astle, who injured his shoulder in the fourth one-day international, and spinner Daniel Vettori - who was ruled out of that game with a sore back - are expected to be fit.
 |  To challenge the Australians we need to be at them all day for five days |
Coach John Bracewell said 28-year-old O'Brien had been drafted in because of his tenacity and the ability to bowl long spells.
"He has built a reputation as a bowler who can go all day," Bracewell explained.
"And if we are to challenge the Australians in this series we need to be at them all day for five days."
New Zealand, who are 4-0 down in the one-day series, were comprehensively beaten in two Tests in Australia in November.
They were also whitewashed 3-0 by the world champions in their last home series against them five years ago.
New Zealand squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Craig Cumming, James Franklin, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Hamish Marshall, Chris Martin, Iain O'Brien, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent, Paul Wiseman.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
