New Zealand's decision to accept an invitation to play in the Sharjah tournament is something of a windfall, despite the fact that it comes at the end of a season which almost had New Zealand on their knees physically.

The side selected tomorrow for the tour will not be a first-strength New Zealand side, but then what side has been this year.

However, some of the senior members of the side who have been on the go since the start of the summer are unlikely to be included.

Stephen Fleming will be getting ready for his Middlesex assignment and Nathan Astle, Adam Parore and Chris Martin are likely to be rested.

What the trip does allow the selectors to do is resolve some issues of selection that have not been realised during this summer.

As a result Chris Nevin is likely to feature as an opener in the side, while Mathew Sinclair will have a chance to see where he fits into the scheme of things by being given a chance to consolidate an opening role.

Depending on whether Roger Twose is available, and if he is it may be an indication that he is possibly a contender for selection next summer.

If Twose is not available it is likely that Craig McMillan may captain the side.

Logical players for the side include Jacob Oram and Lou Vincent with the bat and Daryl Tuffey and James Franklin with the ball.

The recent faith shown in Grant Bradburn is likely to see him feature as a spin option. It is too good a chance to see how he fits into the international scene with some hard-nosed decisions on spinning options needing to be made later in the year particularly with the prospective return of Daniel Vettori, the recovery of Brooke Walker and the rejuvenation of Paul Wiseman.

A team for Sharjah may be: Craig McMillan (captain), Chris Nevin, Mathew Sinclair, Chris Gaffaney, Lou Vincent, Jacob Oram, Chris Harris, Grant Bradburn, James Franklin, Daryl Tuffey, Andrew Penn, Kyle Mills, Andre Adams.

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