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Will Somerville dropped, Will Young given maiden call-up as Black Caps name side to face Sri Lanka

December 10, 2018
Will Somerville celebrates a wicket against Pakistan

The Black Caps have named their squad for the first home Test of the summer against Sri Lanka in Wellington, with Central Districts batsman Will Young handed his maiden call-up.

However, there is no place in the 13-man squad for 34-year-old off-spinner Will Somerville, despite having taken seven wickets on debut to help the Black Caps to a 2-1 series victory over Pakistan in the UAE.

Left-armer Ajaz Patel finds himself as the sole spinner in the squad for the Test beginning Saturday.

"There's a real swell of support for the Test team following their efforts in the UAE, so we're hoping to transition that momentum into a big home summer," selector Gavin Larsen said.

"Ajaz certainly grabbed his opportunity on the UAE tour and he's a proven performer in New Zealand conditions.

"Will Somerville was an obvious stand-out on debut in the Abu Dhabi decider and it's great to know we've got quality spin bowlers who can create competition for places.

"It's an exciting time for Will Young who has been pushing for higher honours for a while now. He scored hundreds against Pakistan A and India A in recent months and fully deserves his call-up.

"The first international of the home summer is always an exciting time and the revamped Basin Reserve should be a fitting setting to launch the Sri Lankan tour."

All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and opener Jeet Raval have both kept their spots, despite a poor series against Pakistan.

Elsewhere, Ish Sodhi and Tom Blundell have also been released from the squad, and will take part in the next round of Plunket Shield for both Northern Districts and Wellington respectively.

Black Caps squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Jeet Raval, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.

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