Vincent earns test place by deeds
[Richard Boock] | [Original Article]

As far as the test squad was concerned, it seemed Auckland batsman Lou Vincent presented the New Zealand selectors with an irresistible case.

The 22-year-old right-hander was yesterday included in the squad to play three tests in Pakistan next month, after winning what might have been a tight race against New Zealand A team-mates Matt Horne and Hamish Marshall.

Vincent's selection, the promotion of fellow one-day international representative Jacob Oram and the recall of offspinner Glen Sulzberger, were the main points of interest in the 15-man touring party, who will depart for the subcontinent on September 21.

Other notable factors included the return of the once-injured paceman Shayne O'Connor, the unavailability of allrounder Dion Nash, and the selection of key spin bowler Daniel Vettori for his first test assignment since the Boxing Day contest against Zimbabwe.

The selection continued a heady ascent for Vincent, who made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka only seven months ago, and has since played another 16 matches, all against Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.

He has been in storming form for New Zealand A in India, scoring 362 runs at an average of 90, including two centuries, in the recent Buchi Baba tournament.

And he has been prominent in the weather-affected one-day tournament in Hyderabad, in which New Zealand have progressed to the quarter-finals.

That alone might have been enough to push him into the test squad, but if it was not, his infectious enthusiasm and the fact that he can keep wicket effectively would surely have swung the balance.

Pakistan is not always the easiest place to tour, and the need for energy and spirit within a squad is almost as important as the ability of the players.

But it is also important to cover all contingencies when sending a side abroad, which meant Vincent's ability with the gloves might have capped off his CV for convener Sir Richard Hadlee. How Vincent might force his way into the test XI is another issue, however, and effectively depends on either Mathew Sinclair losing all form, or Adam Parore breaking down.

For various reasons, top-order batsmen Stephen Fleming, Craig McMillan and Nathan Astle are virtually guaranteed their places in the line-up, and openers Mark Richardson and Matthew Bell are automatic selections.

As for the bowling, the big mover has been Oram, who was 12th man in the two most recent tests against Pakistan at home, and has apparently shown genuine third-seamer potential in India.

With two left-armers, two right-armers and Oram's allround abilities, the pace attack contains good variation, but its relative inexperience will be sorely tested in Pakistan's conditions. Sulzberger, recalled to the ODI squad last week, retains his position for the test series and now must be in line to be included in the squad who continue on from Pakistan to play three tests in Australia.

Hadlee said the Pakistan series launched a demanding time for the New Zealand test cricketers.

"This test series is the start of a long, hot summer where we play eight consecutive test matches before the New Year, including three against the best team in world cricket, Australia. We will also play a further three tests against England at home in March.

"Pakistan is an excellent place to start the campaign. The environment is conducive to developing team unity and culture, agreeing on a playing style, and setting goals for the summer ahead."

Hadlee also named six players to be on standby for the Pakistan series - spinners Paul Wiseman and Brooke Walker, paceman Shane Bond, wicketkeeper Chris Nevin and batsmen Horne and Marshall.

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