Vettori out with injury
New Zealand will be without skipper Daniel Vettori for the upcoming tour of India due to a groin injury and has been replaced by off-spinner Jeetan Patel in the 15-man Test squad announced on Tuesday.
New Zealand play a two-Test series against India starting August 23, and Ross Taylor will lead the side in the absence of Vettori.
“Daniel Vettori unfortunately won’t recover in time for the Test series but his injury has created and opportunity for Jeetan Patel to come back into the side. Jeetan has been in great from for Warwickshire and deserves this opportunity,” National Selection Manager Kim Littlejohn said.
All-rounder James Franklin has been included in the squad in place of off-colour batsman Dean Brownlie.
“He brings a lot of experience and knowledge of playing in Indian conditions which will be invaluable,” said Littlejohn.
“Dean Brownlie misses out on the selection. We continue to see him as player of the future,” he added.
Squad: Ross Taylor (captain), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Daniel Flynn, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Tarun Nethula, Jeetan Patel, Tim Southee, Kruger van Wyk, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.
