admincenturies. In this season’s Plunket Shield, he was the leading run-getter for Otago, but was not even in the top 15 in the overall list. He took just two wickets in the season, and has a first-class bowling average of 34.27. He was given an opportunity to play for a New Zealand XI side against the touring Zimbabweans, scored 65 in the first innings, helping to take the team out of a sticky situation, and grabbed a wicket with the ball.
Wells’ inclusion takes the squad up to 13 members, with seven batsmen available. John Wright, the Nez Zealand coach, said Wells had been added to give the squad some balance.
“Sam is a talented allrounder and we are confident if the opportunity arises he will perform well at international level for New Zealand,” Wright said. “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.”
The Test against Zimbabwe begins January 26 in Napier. While the three-day tour match in Gisborne ended in an expected draw, the New Zealand XI top order that had failed in the first innings came good this time round, scoring freely against the Zimbabweans. Most significantly, Kruger van Wyk, who is in a race for wicketkeeper’s spot in the Test XI with BJ Watling, scored a half-century. Watling, who is the favourite to make the XI, had made 84 in the first innings. Apart from van Wyk, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor also made half-centuries before retiring, while Daniel Vettori remained unbeaten on 41 as New Zealand finished on 274 for 5. – Cricinfo.
Online Reporter
- Herald , none
- September 26, 2026
- 37 views
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