New Zealand call for Gillespie

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Seamer Mark Gillespie has been called into New Zealand’s squad in place of Tim Southee for the second Test against South Africa.

The 32-year-old, who has three Test and 32 one-day international appearances to his name, is joined by leg-spinner Tarun Nethula, medium-fast bowler Brent Arnel and all-rounder Andrew Ellis, in addition to the players, aside from Southee, who featured in Dunedin.

New Zealand Cricket’s national selection manager Kim Littlejohn believes Gillespie, who last played a Test against West Indies in 2008, is a reliable performer.

“We have selected a similar Test squad to the one which has played well all summer,” he told New Zealand Cricket’s official website.

“Tim Southee hasn’t been included. He’s a talented, young fast bowler and we are confident he will return to the Plunket Shield and continue to put pressure on those in the Test team.

“Mark Gillespie returns to international cricket after showing good form recently and provides a strong and reliable bowling option.

“We are pleased to be able to offer Tarun an opportunity. He is bowling well and offers a point of difference to the attack.

“BJ Watling and Dean Brownlie were not considered for selection as they have not recovered sufficiently from injury.”