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 A fine show against the Indians in the three-day tie here earned Central Districts paceman Michael Mason a place in New Zealand's 12-member squad for the first Test starting at Wellington on December 12. Mason, who grabbed three wickets in India's first innings of 209, will have a toss up for the third seamer's slot in the final XI with Jacob Oram, who pulled out of the three-day game because of a groin strain.
The 29-year-old Mason has taken 123 wickets for Central Districts in six years of first class cricket. Oram (24), who has represented the country in 25 one-day internationals, is still looking to play his first Test. Richard Hadlee, chairman of the selection committee, said both the players were selected on the basis of their recent exploits with the ball.
"Mason is a bowler with good pace. He has been impressive in the current game taking 3 for 46 in the first innings against India and he swings the ball away from right-handed batsmen," Hadlee said. "Oram has been considered for Test teams in the past and has been the 12th man. His selection follows huge progress in his bowling.
He has brisk pace and his height makes for increased bounce, which can prove awkward for batsmen in some conditions. He has been an impressive allrounder for Central Districts this season with both bat and ball,” Hadlee added.
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