Uncapped fast bowler Mark Gillespie was named Thursday to New Zealand's 14-man squad for the Champions Trophy limited overs cricket series in India in October.
Gillespie, 26, was among the leading wicket-takers in New Zealand domestic cricket last summer _ taking 43 wickets at an average of 23.16, and played for New Zealand A at the recent Top End series in Australia.
The right-armer, who bowls fast medium inswingers and outswingers, has been named to provide new ball support to opening bowler Shane Bond in the absence of the injured Michael Mason.
All-rounder Scott Styris has been named to New Zealand's squad though he recently suffered a back injury, while playing county cricket in England. New Zealand manager Lindsay Crocker said with more than four weeks remaining until New Zealand's opening match against South Africa at Jaipur, India, there was ample time for Styris to recover full fitness.
Top order batsman Peter Fulton has been retained ahead of the younger right hander Ross Taylor in the squad's only other contentious selection.
``This is the strongest side that we can put together for what is a major tournament at the start of an intensive one-day season,'' said New Zealand coach John Bracewell.
``Mark Gillespie was the domestic season's outstanding pace bowler and performed well during the Top End Series.''
``He thoroughly deserves his place in the squad and his skills as a specialist death bowler will extend our depth in this area.''
New Zealand's roster includes Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Brendon McCullum, Hamish Marshall, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori, and, Lou Vincent.
