Craig, Rae in NZ XI to face the Windies

Mark Craig.
Mark Craig.
Two Otago players have been named in a New Zealand XI to play the West Indies in a 50-over warm-up match in Whangarei today.

Former international spinner Mark Craig and Otago team-mate Michael Rae have been selected in the side which is made up of players not featuring in the twenty20 tournament.

Craig was sidelined with a back complaint and did not play any domestic cricket last season.

He is still working his way back into form. The 30-year-old has played five first-class games this summer and has taken 11 wickets at an average of 47.54.

Rae, who is a strapping quick bowler, has had more success. He has 14 wickets at 31.78, but has so far been overlooked for the one-day and twenty20 tournament.

Michael Rae.
Michael Rae.
The team also includes test opener Jeet Raval and dashing Auckland left-hander Sean Solia.

The game will be the West Indies first white ball match of the tour. Its first ODI against the Black Caps is to be played in Whangarei on December 20.

''We've picked players who won't be featuring for their domestic sides at this time, but believe it's still a talented squad,'' national selector Gavin Larsen said.

''It's great to give the likes of Mark Craig and Jeet Raval the opportunity to play white ball cricket and expand their game against quality international opposition.

''We're looking forward to seeing Sean Solia back after his injury on the New Zealand A tour.

''He's certainly someone we want to see more of this season.''

 

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