Blundell in line to make Test debut

Tom Blundell has been called up as the replacement for BJ Watling in New Zealand's squad named for the first Test against Windies, New Zealand Cricket announced on Sunday (November 26).

Blundell, the 27-year-old Wellington wicketkeeper who has turned out in one Twenty20 International to date, was pencilled in to make his Test debut after Watling was deemed unfit to play owing to a hip injury.

The other notable update was that Lockie Ferguson, the 26-year-old tearaway, has been included in order to bolster the pace department. The Auckland right-arm pacer hasn’t played Test cricket yet, but has 110 first-class wickets from 30 matches at an impressive average of 24.04.

Ferguson was mainly called up as potential cover for Tim Southee, who might be unavailable for personal reasons.

“Tom's worked hard on his game and we’ve seen his wicketkeeping in particular really develop over the past 12 months,” said Gavin Larsen, the chief selector. “The chance to play his first Test at his home ground is going to be really special for him.

“BJ is still working his way back to full fitness and hopefully he gets some time with the gloves for Northern Districts soon.”

On Southee and Ferguson, Larsen explained, “With Tim awaiting the birth of his child, his availability is still uncertain at this point, so Lockie helps keep our bases covered. Lockie’s been in good form domestically and showed good signs for New Zealand A as well. His extra pace brings a slightly different dimension to the attack.”

In six innings with the bat this Plunket Shield season, Blundell has scored 182 runs at an average of 60.66. He is also leading the wicketkeeping dismissals column, having effected 23 catches and one stumping so far.

The first of two Tests is scheduled to start on Friday at Wellington's Basin Reserve.

Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Colin de Grandhomme, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee (subject to availability), Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson.