Sam Wells a surprise entrant in New Zealand Test squad

Sam Wells took just two wickets at an average of 78.5 in the Plunket Shield competition © Getty Images

By CricketCountry Staff

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

Napier: Jan 23, 2012

 

All-rounder Sam Wells’ inclusion for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe beginning on Thursday at Napier came as a surprise to many.

 

Wells, made his debut for domestic team Otago in the 2007-08 season and made two centuries for his first class team. His highest score was 115*.

 

The left-handed batsman scored 65 in the first innings, while playing for New Zealand XI against Zimbabwe. He was involved in a 125-run partnership with BJ Watling on the opening day.

 

The left-handed batsman has scored 228 runs in this season of Plunket Shield competition which includes three half centuries. His average has been around 38.

 

Coach John Wright praised the all-rounder while claiming that the southpaw deserves a stint in the national team.

 

He was quoted in the The New Zealand Herald as saying, “Sam is a talented all-rounder and we are confident if the opportunity arises he will perform well at international level for New Zealand.

 

He has impressed during the three-day match in Gisborne with the bat and his skills with the ball will give good balance to the side.”

 

New Zealand Test squad: 

Ross Taylor (C), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori, Kruger van Wyk, BJ Watling, Sam Wells, Kane Williamson.