New Zealand A side named for limited overs matches

New Zealand A side named for limited overs matches against England Lions

New Zealand Cricket has announced the New Zealand A side for the two one-day matches and a Twenty20 against the England Lions (England A). The squad is:

Craig Cumming (captain)
Brent Arnel
Brendon Diamanti
James Franklin
Gareth Hopkins
Peter Ingram
Nathan McCullum
James Marshall
Michael Mason
Aaron Redmond
Shanan Stewart
Ewen Thompson

Canterbury batsman Shanan Stewart is a newcomer to the current squad – but has previously worn New Zealand A colours, during the 2006 series in Australia.

Head of the selection panel Glenn Turner said Stewart had been selected as a middle order batsman on the strength of his recent domestic form. “He’s been playing some very good cricket this season and has performed particularly well in one day and Twenty20 competitions,” he said.

Turner said the squad of 12 was picked specifically for the limited-overs form of the game – while other squad members from the four day games would have the opportunity to return to State Championship play.

The New Zealand A side plays the England Lions in two one-day matches at Palmerston North, on Friday 13 and Monday 16 March. The series finishes with a Twenty20 at New Plymouth on 19 March.