South Africa born Wagner selected for Kiwi tour of West Indies

Wellington, May 3(ANI): South African-born Neil Wagner has been named in New Zealand Test squad for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, while senior batsman Brendon McCullum has been given rest for the two shorter forms.

New Zealand Cricket named three separate 15-man squads for the tour on Thursday, with Wagner, who last month became eligible to play for New Zealand, expectedly rushed into the Test squad.

Wagner has performed brilliantly in the domestic circuit lately, and his ability to take wickets also played an important role in getting him promoted when he became eligible.

"Neil has been an extremely good performer in the Plunket Shield for a number of seasons and deserves his opportunity," Stuff.co.nz quoted national selection manager Kim Littlejohn noted, as saying.

Littlejohn said the board is trying to ease the workload for some players, and therefore, they have given some much needed rest to McCullum, who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League.

"The team is about to embark on a heavy programme of international cricket and we will need to sensibly manage the workload of our players. This also allows other very talented cricketers to get an opportunity and for us to continue to build depth across our squads," Littlejohn said.

"Going forward we are looking to identify opportunities for other players, such as Doug Bracewell, Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson, to take a bit of time out and freshen up," he added. (ANI)