Tim Southee, Henry Nicholls included in New Zealand Test sqaud to face Australia

Quote:Senior New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has been ruled out of next week’s first Test against Australia, putting rising batting star Henry Nicholls in line for his debut. However, leading strike bowler Tim Southee, who suffered a foot injury in the New Year series against Sri Lanka, has been declared fit to resume international duties. The squad announced Friday on the eve of the second ODI against Australia also includes Matt Henry, New Zealand’s form bowler in limited overs cricket, and Corey Anderson who missed the November Test series in Australia. Taylor continues to struggle with a side strain suffered during a Twenty20 match against Pakistan last month.

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Doug Bracewell, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling and Kane Williamson

Australia: Steven Smith (capt), David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Chadd Sayers and Jackson Bird.

http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/tim-s...lia-393682

The loss of Ross Taylor will really hurt New Zealand. He was in terrific form in the Australia away series, and would have been very handy as a steady middle order bat in conditions where the ball may do a lot in the initial overs. Henry Nicholls has had a decent First Class career but the shoes of Ross Taylor are really big to fill. Another cause for worry for NZ is BJ Watling who still hasn't fully recovered, and although Luke Ronchi who is on standby is a better batsman his keeping is not up to the mark.

Ross Taylor form is also worrisome. Let him rest  and recover !