Bell and O'Brien earn contracts with NZC

Matthew Bell
Matthew Bell
Struggling opening batsman Matthew Bell had double cause for celebration despite England winning the second cricket test by 126 runs at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

Shortly after the match, Bell, who scored nought and an unconvincing 29 in the match, learned he had retained his place in the squad for the third and final test starting in Napier on Saturday.

He had also secured a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) playing contract.

Bell, who made a return to the test arena against Bangladesh last month after a seven-year absence, is one of two new contracted players.

His Wellington provincial teammate Iain O'Brien, who has played five tests, is the other.

Since marking his return to the test arena by scoring 107, 20 not out and one against Bangladesh, Bell has put together scores of 19, nought, nought and 29 against England.

Bell profits from Lou Vincent's decision to cut his ties with NZC in order to sign up with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) Twenty20 competition.

Seam bowler O'Brien takes over the contract vacated by Shane Bond, who had his deal terminated in January before he headed to the ICL.

The full contract list of 20 players is expected to be finalised before New Zealand embarks on its tour of England next month.

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