McIntosh earns Black Caps call

Auckland opener Tim McIntosh drives en route to 191 against Wellington in the State Championship

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An impressive start to the season for Auckland has earned left-hander Tim McIntosh a New Zealand call-up for the two-Test series against West Indies.

The 29-year-old opening batsmen has made scores of 140 and 191 so far this season and he scored a half-century against the tourists yesterday on the opening day of a three-day warm-up match in Auckland.

McIntosh's inclusion means there is no room for Aaron Redmond, who has been far from convincing in his seven Tests, or Peter Fulton, with Daniel Flynn moved up to number three and Jesse Ryder dropping to five behind Ross Taylor.

As expected, there was also a recall for all-rounder James Franklin, who has only recently made his return from a long-term knee injury but has already scored a double hundred, 160 and 69 in domestic cricket since his return.

Jacob Oram has also overcome back and finger injuries to take his place after missing the series in Australia.

Oram will join the side in Dunedin at the conclusion of the State Championship match between Central Districts and Otago.

There was no room for young fast bowler Tim Southee, while Chris Martin also missed out.

Mark Gillespie, who was part of the squad in Australia but did not play, will take over Martin’s role.

Off-spinner Jeetan Patel has been brought into the squad as back-up to captain Daniel Vettori.

The first Test, which will be new coach Andy Moles' first match in charge, starts at the University Oval on Thursday with the final Test in Napier from December 19.

New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Jamie How, Tim McIntosh, Daniel Flynn, Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, James Franklin, Mark Gillespie, Iain O’Brien, Jeetan Patel.