NZ names 2 newcomers for 2nd test against India

Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Batsman Tom Latham and allrounder Jimmy Neesham will make their test debuts for New Zealand in the second test against India which starts at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

Latham has been named to bat at No. 5 in the New Zealand order, replacing Ross Taylor whose wife is expecting their second child. Neesham takes the place of legspinner Ish Sodhi, giving New Zealand an additional seam bowling option and extra batting strength.

Neesham's selection means New Zealand will go into the match, likely to be played on a green-top pitch, with five seam bowling options — Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Corey Anderson and Neesham — and only one part-timer spinner, Kane Williamson.

New Zealand won the first test at Eden Park by 40 runs.

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New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Peter Fulton, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.