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Andrew Alderson on three young players to watch in New Zealand's series against England
New Zealand has used 21 players in 11 Tests over the last 12 months, with three more likely to be added to the list when the team begins the first Test against England in Dunedin next week. Coach and chief selector Mike Hesson will be forced, through a mixture of form and injury, to take a punt on several players and hope they meet the extra demands of five-day cricket.
Bruce Martin
Martin's selection is on the basis of consistency and longevity on the first-class circuit. Known as "Bucko", he has played 115 matches over 14 seasons, taking 314 wickets at an average of 35.96. Not bad for a man who says on his New Zealand Cricket profile that he was born with dislocated hips and had a cast down to his ankles. He credits his father with convincing him to change from pace to spin bowling.
The 32-year-old debuted for Northern Districts in 1999-2000 and even made it into the New Zealand Test squad against Australia later that season (again due to the absence of the injured Daniel Vettori). He remained 12th man.
Martin's left-arm orthodox action might replicate Vettori but he is recognised in some quarters as a more attacking spinner. He says he will be "looking to take poles and bowl to some pretty attacking fields" rather than hold up an end.
He has represented Auckland since 2010-11 and this season has taken 32 wickets in the Plunket Shield, the most of any spinner (though he has been relatively expensive, at 40.40). He has bowled plenty of overs since returning fro
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