New Zealand squads announced for Australia tour

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have begun preparations for next year's World Cup by announcing two squads to play against international A teams and academy sides in Australia in June and July. The squads include a host of internationals as well as the top performers in the domestic circuit, now on the fringes of national selection.

The internationals include Mathew Sinclair, James Marshall, Lou Vincent, Craig McMillan, Matthew Bell, Chris Martin and Kyle Mills. Peter Fulton and McMillan will captain the two sides, which will be involved in a series of four-day, one-day and Twenty20 matches against the A sides of India, Pakistan and Australia as well as academy teams from Australia, South Africa and India.

Ric Charlesworth, New Zealand Cricket's high performance manager, said the players will take part in a 10-day preparation camp in Cairns, Queensland, before the matches commence. The matches will take place at Darwin, Brisbane and Cairns. The full itineraries will be announced at a later date.

"The squad visits are part of our overall planning and preparation for the World Cup," Charlesworth said in a media release. "The initiative will also provide valuable development opportunities for the NZC High Performance Centre coaches selected in coaching roles with the squads."

Team 1 Peter Fulton (capt), James Marshall (vice-capt), Graham Aldridge, Brendon Diamanti, Mark Gillespie, Jamie How, Michael Mason, Nathan McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Warren McSkimming, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Lou Vincent
Coach Bob Carter, Manager Richard Hadlee

Team 2 Craig McMillan (capt), Matthew Bell (vice-capt), Hamish Bennett, Gareth Hopkins, Bruce Martin, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Mark Orchard, Michael Papps, Jeetan Patel, Mathew Sinclair, Richard Sherlock
Coach Mark O'Donnell, Manager Dayle Hadlee