Astle quits long game, Jamieson set for debut
Legspinner Todd Astle’s intermittent test career is over.
Astle has made himself unavailable for the upcoming New Zealand A first-class series against India A in Christchurch to focus on his limited-overs chances of selection with the Black Caps.
‘‘Playing test cricket was always the dream and I’m so honoured to have represented my country and province in the longest form of the game,’’ Astle said.
‘‘Red-ball cricket is the pinnacle, but requires a huge amount of time and effort. As I’ve got to the back end of my career I’ve found it harder to maintain the level of commitment required.’’
Astle, 33, played five tests, debuting against Sri Lanka in
2012, with his most recent appearance against Australia in Sydney earlier this month. He took seven wickets at 52.57 and scored 98 runs at 19.60.
■ Towering quick bowler Kyle Jamieson is in line for his ODI debut for New Zealand.
Selector Gavin Larsen said the Auckland Aces paceman had been omitted from the New Zealand A squad to play India A in Christchurch with the upcoming one-day series between the Black Caps and India in mind.
‘‘We feel it’s better he stays focused on white-ball cricket,’’ Larsen said.
The A series features the return of Central Stags batsman Will Young, who continues his comeback after undergoing right shoulder surgery at the end of last season. He’ll open the batting with NZ A captain Hamish Rutherford.
The first match of the fourday, two-game A team series begins tomorrow at Hagley Oval.
The second match from February 7-10 at Bert Sutcliffe Oval will feature four changes to the squad with Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert (playing as a batsman), Ish Sodhi and one more pace-bowler to be added after NZ’s T20 series against India.
They’ll replace Mark Chapman, Ajaz Patel, Edward Nuttall and Sean Solia.