Watling Replaces Fulton In New Zealand Test Squad

Watling Replaces Fulton In New Zealand Test Squad

Iain O'Brien is set to play his final Test in Napier.

©REUTERS/Anthony Phelps (NEW ZEALAND SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Northern Districts batsman BJ Watling has replaced Peter Fulton in New Zealand's squad for the third Test against Pakistan in Napier.

Watling has been in good form for the table-topping Northern Districts side in the Plunket Shield, hitting 242 runs including a top score of 136 and he made his debut for the Black Caps when he played in both Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan in Dubai earlier this year.

Fulton, recalled after strong performances for New Zealand 'A', has scored just 42 runs in four innings in the Test series, which is level at 1-1 heading to Napier.

“He’s a quality young player with good technique,” selector Mark Greatbatch said of South African-born Watling. "With the series at one-all we need to regroup and we believe Watling can add strength at the top.

“There was a lot of discussion about the batting line-up, but this was not a time for wholesale change. We are aiming to give guys the opportunity to succeed.”

New Zealand won the opening match by 32 runs in Dunedin before Pakistan hit back with a 141-run win in Wellington. Fast bowler Shane Bond has been ruled out of the rest of the series due to injury while Iain O'Brien is set to retire from international cricket following the match, which begins on 11th December.

New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (captain), Grant Elliott, Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Tim McIntosh, Iain O'Brien, Jeetan Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, BJ Watling

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