Watling wins Black Caps call

BJ Watling has been named in a 15-strong New Zealand squad for three one-day internationals and two Twenty20s in the UAE

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BJ Watling is the only new face in the New Zealand squad for next month's limited-overs series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The South Africa-born batsman has been rewarded for a strong season with the bat which included 94 and 115 not out for New Zealand Emerging Players in Australia. He also top-scored for New Zealand A with 97 against India.

He will also provide wicketkeeping cover for Brendon McCullum.

“This tour is a good opportunity for Watling to get a taste of top-level cricket - as selectors we believe he’s got strong potential as a top order batsman,” said captain Daniel Vettori, who is also one of the selectors.

There were also recalls for seam-bowling all-rounder Tim Southee, while Vettori and Jacob Oram, who announced his retirement from Test cricket this week, must pass fitness tests on hamstring injuries.

Jesse Ryder (groin), Daryl Tuffey (broken hand), Grant Elliott (broken thumb) and Brendon Diamanti (shoulder) were not considered because of injuries suffered on Champions Trophy duty.

James Franklin, Aaron Redmond and Scott Styris have retained their places after being called in as cover for injured players during the tournament in South Africa.

“Aaron Redmond made a strong case for his inclusion with confident performances at the World Twenty20 and Champions Trophy,” added Vettori.

“Nathan McCullum and Tim Southee will give us flexibility and options which will suit the short, sharp nature of this tour - but Jeetan Patel and Iain O’Brien are continuing to push hard for places in the squad.”

“Coming off a great performance in the Champions Trophy there’s a confidence in the squad that we can do well in this series on neutral ground.

New Zealand leave for Dubai on October 27, with the first of three one-day internationals set for November 3 in Abu Dhabi.

The series closes with Twenty20 internationals on November 12 and 13 in Dubai, before both teams travel to New Zealand for the three-Test series.

The series was originally due to take place in Pakistan earlier this year but was postponed then switched to the UAE following the terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore in March.

New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Shane Bond, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Aaron Redmond, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling.