Black Caps look to Thompson

Ewen Thompson has been named in the Kiwi squad for the two Twenty20 games

All-rounder Ewen Thompson is the new face in New Zealand’s squad for the two Twenty20 internationals against West Indies later this month.

Thompson, a left-handed batsman and medium pace bowler who plies his trade for Central Districts, has been included in the 13-man squad for the Auckland encounter on Boxing Day and the December 28 clash in Hamilton.

The 29-year-old was called up on the strength of his domestic Twenty20 statistics: 16 wickets at an average of 17 and an economy rate of 6.97.

Fast bowler Tim Southee, who was dropped for the current Test series against the Windies, is included, along with limited-overs specialist Scott Styris.

There is no room for opening batsmen Tim McIntosh and Jamie How or seamer Iain O’Brien, and head selector Turner admitted they were unlucky to miss out.

“This squad is about horses for courses,” he said. “A Twenty20 side has a different look from a Test side - it’s a different game and has different requirements.

“We haven’t really played a lot of Twenty20 and we’re still gaining experience.  If we’re going to pick up our game we need a good depth of players who can deliver in this arena.”

New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Daniel Flynn, James Franklin, Mark Gillespie, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Ewen Thompson.