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Dan the man for Caps

Image: Vettori: New Test skipper

Daniel Vettori will captain New Zealand's Test team for the first time on the tour to South Africa.

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Vettori confirmed as Test skipper, Gillespie and Taylor to make debuts.

Daniel Vettori was confirmed as New Zealand's new Test captain as the squad to tour South Africa was announced, with Ross Taylor and Mark Gillespie set to make their debuts after their Twenty20 performances. Vettori replaced Stephen Fleming as captain for the World Twenty20 after he resigned the limited-overs captaincy, and the left-arm spinner has now also replaced Fleming at the helm of the Test side after a decade in charge. Fleming is retained in the squad for next month's two-Test tour of South Africa as a specialist batsman, but he will now have to cope with Vettori being in charge. Opening batsman Michael Papps returns to the squad and he will partner Craig Cumming in New Zealand's opening partnership. "The selectors are looking to form a quality opening partnership," coach John Bracewell said. "Craig Cumming is the incumbent and is acknowledged as a quality player of pace, while Michael Papps is being rewarded after an excellent domestic season."

Debutants

Ross Taylor has been called up into the Test squad for the first time, after enjoying a good start to his international career in one-day international cricket so far. Taylor is expected to make his Test debut in South Africa, as is fast bowler Mark Gillespie who starred for the Black Caps in the World Twenty20. Peter Fulton, Scott Styris and Jacob Oram are all in, while all-rounder James Franklin was left out due to a knee injury, although it is hoped he will be available for the following one-day series. Surprise omissions from the squad include batsman Lou Vincent and experienced campaigner Craig McMillan. Kyle Mills returns from injury to take his place alongside Gillespie, Shane Bond, Chris Martin and Michael Mason in New Zealand's pace attack. The New Zealand team leaves for South Africa on 18th October and will play warm-up matches against South Africa A at Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom ahead of the first Test. A squad to play one Twenty20 and three limited overs internationals against South Africa in late November and early December will be announced later. New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Shane Bond, Craig Cumming, Stephen Fleming, Mark Gillespie, Peter Fulton, Chris Martin, Michael Mason, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Michael Papps, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor.

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