Taylor, Ronchi Included In New Zealand XI To Face England

Taylor, Ronchi Included In New Zealand XI To Face England

Ross Taylor has been selected in the New Zealand XI to play England in early February

©REUTERS / Action Images

Ross Taylor has been named in a New Zealand XI which will take on the touring England team in two Twenty20 matches on 4th and 6th February.

Taylor opted out of the current tour of South Africa after being relieved of the limited overs captaincy but his inclusion in this side, captained by Andrew Ellis, could see him back in the national colours once the full internationals get underway.

England play three Twenty20 Internationals from 9th to 15th February, then three One-Day Internationals and three Tests in March.

The New Zealand XI is made of experienced players such as Taylor, Neil Wagner, Neil Broom and former Australian wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi as well as youngsters who have made an impression in domestic cricket.

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"It’s a great opportunity for the selected players to test themselves at the top level and show what they are capable of against one of the best sides in the world," National Selection Manager Kim Littlejohn said.

"It’s a very strong New Zealand XI and we expect them to be competitive opponents. Nearly all of the team have previous experience on the international stage, while the likes of Nick Beard, Matt Henry, Anton Devcich and Hamish Rutherford get their first chance after showing considerable promise on the domestic scene.

"We’re pleased to have Luke Ronchi available as well and after a great HRV Cup we look forward to watching him continue to make an impact.

"Obviously it’s great to have Ross back in the mix and really we’re excited about seeing him play again. He’s a proven world-class batsman and this will provide him with a great chance to get some cricket under his belt following his break.

"We’re confident all of the players in the squad will relish the chance to play against England, with the matches a great opportunity for them to push for higher honours."

New Zealand XI: Andrew Ellis (captain), Michael Bates, Nick Beard, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Anton Devcich, Matthew Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner

© Cricket World 2013