New Zealand 2008
Player profiles - New Zealand - Test
Buy this photo Daniel Vettori (captain)
Replaced Stephen Fleming as captain of the Test team last September after performing the same role with the one-day side. Became the youngest player to represent New Zealand in Test cricket when he made his debut against England in 1997 - a record he still holds. A spinner known for his guile and cunning, Vettori has scored over 2,000 Test runs, including two centuries.
Matthew Bell
Though Bell hit 40 for a Selection XI in the warm-up game against England, he had played little first-class cricket before the Test series. Averaged 103 in his first four games for Wellington before Christmas which propelled him back into the Test reckoning after an absence of six years.
Grant Elliott
The 28-year-old from Johannesburg is the first South Africa-born player to be selected in a New Zealand Test squad. Qualified to play for his adopted country only last year, and represented New Zealand A before winning a senior call-up. Bowls seamers and is regarded as a genuine all-rounder.
Stephen Fleming
The England series will be Fleming's swansong in international cricket following his decision to retire. No New Zealander has played more Tests, scored more runs or taken more catches. Captained his country 80 times, guiding them to 28 victories - Kiwi records both.
Mark Gillespie
The seamer was drafted into the squad for the first Test after Iain O’Brien was ruled out through injury. Had played in just one Test before the England series, when he took 5-136 against South Africa last November.
Jamie How
Recalled to the squad against England after being overlooked since December 2006. Hit a brilliant 139 off 116 balls in the tied fourth one-day international, and expected to open alongside Matthew Bell as New Zealand continue to search for a solution to their problems at the top of the order.
Chris Martin
Arguably New Zealand's best bowler after Shane Bond had his contract ripped up by New Zealand. A whole-hearted bowler capable of length spells, but offers next to nothing with the bat. His wicket tally going into the England series is almost double the number of runs he has scored.
Buy this photo Brendon McCullum (wicketkeeper)
Explosive wicketkeeper-batsman who went into the series against England on the back of a brutal 170 off 108 balls for Otago in the State Shield final. Also prospered during the one-day series, and his athletic wicketkeeping is often overshadowed by his explosive batting.
Kyle Mills
The seamer made his debut against England at Trent Bridge in 2004 but has been unable to hold down a regular place. His best bowling figures of 4-43 came against South Africa in 2006 - contributing to 14 wickets in three Tests that year.
Iain O'Brien
Retained his place after playing in the second Test against Bangladesh in Wellington, but was ruled out of the first Test against England after stubbing his toe. Made an unimpressive one-day debut against England in Napier but his seamers could pose the tourists problems on more responsive wickets.
Jacob Oram
A combative all-rounder who is acknowledged as one of the world's most powerful strikers of the ball. Bowls more than useful fast-medium and, though he underperformed during the one-day series, Oram is among New Zealand's most dangerous players.
Jeetan Patel
Test opportunities have been restricted by the presence of fellow spinner Daniel Vettori, but Patel made a positive impression in the one-day series. Took three wickets in his solitary Test, against South Africa, and also offers runs down the order.
Mathew Sinclair
Scored 204 on his Test debut against West Indies nearly nine years ago but has yet to play a Test against England. Hit an impressive 47 against the tourists in Dunedin during the warm-up fixture but will be keen to improve on recent Test performances.
Ross Taylor
Scored only 44 runs in four innings against South Africa last November and was dropped for the home series against Bangladesh in early 2008. However, he is highly regarded and is expected to bat at five during the Test series against England.
