Mason named in NZ Test squad

Central Districts pace bowler Michael Mason was named in New Zealand's 12-man squad on Sunday for the first Test against India in Wellington starting on Thursday.

The uncapped Mason impressed the selectors by taking the wickets of Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and skipper Saurav Ganguly on Friday, the opening day of the three-day tour match against India.

"Mason is a bowler with good pace. He has been impressive in the current game, taking three for 46 in the first innings," said New Zealand's chairman of selectors Richard Hadlee. "He swings the ball away from the right-handed batsmen."

All-rounder Jacob Oram, the Central Districts captain who pulled out of the tour match to rest a hamstring twinge, has also been named in the squad and is in line for his test debut. He has been a regular in the one-day side for the last two years.

Hadlee said the panel had taken a conservative approach to their selections. He has been critical of the form shown by top players, blaming the month-long players' strike in October.

New Zealand are involved in their annual battle to find a fit bowling attack.

All-rounder Chris Cairns will undergo keyhole surgery on his right knee on Tuesday and is unavailable while Andre Adams, Ian Butler and Shayne O'Connor are still recovering from injury.

Mason, a farmer's son from Manawatu, has played 28 first class matches for Central Districts since his debut in the 1997-98 season and has taken 88 wickets at an average of 25.61.

Also included in the squad is all-rounder Scott Styris, who made a century on his test debut against West Indies in Grenada in June.

New Zealand squad: Stephen Fleming (Wellington, captain), Nathan Astle (Canterbury), Shane Bond (Canterbury), Robbie Hart (Northern Districts), Craig McMillan (Canterbury), Michael Mason (Central Districts), Jacob Oram (Central Districts), Mark Richardson (Auckland), Scott Styris (Northern Districts), Daryl Tuffey (Northern Districts), Daniel Vettori (Northern Districts), Lou Vincent (Auckland).

Mail Cricket Editor