Wellington, Dec 14: New Zealand cricket coach John Bracewell today stayed with the established order in naming the squad for the first cricket Test against Pakistan, including injured captain Stephen Fleming who remains under an injury cloud. Bracewell said that the 13-member squad for the Test in Hamilton starting on Friday was not difficult to select following performances on the recently drawn series against India.
Richard Jones has been included as cover for Fleming who continues to be troubled by a suspected abdominal hernia.
"Stephen has been playing cricket for Wellington over the last couple of days and the signs have been encouraging," Bracewell said.
"However, if he is unavailable, Richard Jones will get his chance at the top of the order and we are confident in his ability."
Injury has already robbed New Zealand of front-line bowler Shane Bond and top order batsman Nathan Astle.
Bracewell, a notable spin bowler in his Test-playing days, included two spinners in the squad -- Daniel Vettori and Paul Wiseman -- as well as two all-rounders -- Chris Cairns and Jacob Oram.
New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (captain), Ian Butler, Chris Cairns, Robbie Hart, Richard Jones, Craig Mcmillan, Jacob Oram, Mark Richardson, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent, Paul Wiseman. Bureau Report