Franklin and Walker recalled for third Test

Franklin and Walker recalled for third Test
New Zealand Cricket - 24 March 2001

The New Zealand selection panel has recalled James Franklin and Brooke Walker to the CLEAR Black Caps for the final National Bank Series Test against Pakistan.

Franklin replaces Chris Drum who injured his shoulder while fielding during the second Test. Walker takes the place of off-spinner Grant Bradburn.

The team is:

Chairman of selectors, Sir Richard Hadlee, said the panel was pleased with the direction, movement and pace that Franklin had extracted from the Basin Reserve pitch during Wellington's tour match against Pakistan, and were also impressed with his performance for the Selection XI against the State Central Stags.

"We felt, after the first Test, that James seemed tired and lacked his usual bounce, pace and ability to swing the ball. The break has clearly done him good and he showed renewed vigour, pace and swing during the tour match and the Selection XI match."

Hadlee said the selection panel was also pleased with Shayne O'Connor's performance for the Selection XI against the State Central Stags, however the Otago bowler had experienced some discomfort in his knee after the matches and has advised selectors he is unavailable for the Test. O'Connor has missed much of the last three months due to a patella tendon (knee) strain.

Hadlee said the selectors appreciated O'Connor's honesty and respected his decision.

"The selectors were concerned about Shayne's lack of match fitness and Shayne himself was not certain that he would be able to bowl at 100 percent over a five day Test. The selectors respect Shayne's decision to rule himself out of contention and appreciate his honesty."

Brooke Walker last played for the CLEAR Black Caps in the Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe. He was 12th man for the first Test against Pakistan at Auckland.

"Brooke Walker is a leg-spinner and as such the selectors believe he will provide the captain with a more attacking option and greater variations than the off-spinner," Hadlee said.

The CLEAR Black Caps assemble in Hamilton tomorrow morning, Sunday 25 March.

The third and final Test in the National Bank Series will be played at Hamilton's WestpacTrust Park starting at 10.30am on Tuesday 27 March.

Teams	New Zealand, Pakistan.
Tours	Pakistan in New Zealand