James Marshall called into Kiwi squad

James Marshall will win his first Test cap against Australia © Getty Images

James Marshall, the twin brother of Hamish, has been called up into the New Zealand squad for the final Test against Australia, starting at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. He replaces Craig McMillan, who has been dropped after a poor run of form, and will open the batting with Craig Cumming.

Marshall's selection means Stephen Fleming can move back down to No 4. Fleming has also suffered a depressing run of form, cumulating in scores of 0 and 1 in the second Test at Wellington. Hamish Marshall will remain at No 3, with Lou Vincent at five and Nathan Astle at six.

The Kiwis have been desperate to find a way to shore up their batting, which has been dissected by the Australian attack. John Bracewell, the New Zealand coach, thinks James Marshall has what it takes. "James is one of a few players who are adding depth to the pool of players we select from, and also competition for others vying for places in both the Test and ODI sides."

The New Zealand selectors have kept faith with their battered bowling attack, despite conceding 570 in the second Test, and their continued inability to knock over the Australian middle-order. But that has more to do with a lack of options than any great belief in the current set of bowlers.

New Zealand are 1-0 down in the series, following a nine-wicket defeat at Christchurch and the rain-soaked draw at Wellington.

New Zealand squad Craig Cumming, James Marshall, Hamish Marshall, Stephen Fleming (capt), Lou Vincent, Nathan Astle, Brendon McCullum (wk), Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Iain O'Brien, Chris Martin, Paul Wiseman