Guptill’s last Test match for New Zealand came against England in May 2013
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill and pace bowler Matt Henry have both been included in the Test squad for the upcoming tour of England.
While Henry has yet to make his Test debut, Guptill is set to play his first Test match since May 2013.
New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson revealed that Guptill had been picked since he is a versatile batsman who can bat at any position. He added that Guptill will also have the opportunity to prove his worth during the two warm-up games before the first Test gets underway on May 21.
“This is a stable, established Test side but there will be opportunities for contenders,” Hesson said. “Martin’s a classically styled batsman and there’s really no reason why he can’t be as influential in the longer game as he is in the short.”
Henry was chosen as a replacement for all-rounder James Neesham, who is currently recovering from an injury.
“It’s another step up for Matt but we’ve been impressed by the maturity and skill-set he’s already shown in the ODI format,” Hesson said.
Meanwhile, pace bowler Adam Milne and uncapped all-rounder Mitchell Santner have both been included in New Zealand’s ODI and Twenty20 squad.
It has also been confirmed that wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling will lead New Zealand during their two warm-up games against Somerset and Worcestershire since many of the regular players, including captain Brendon McCullum, will still be participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
New Zealand Test squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson
New Zealand ODI and T20 squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson