Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori believes at least five Otago players could go close to selection for the national side's tour to England.
The test and one-day squads are due to be named later this week and Vettori yesterday hinted there could be some new names in the squads, particularly for the one-day series.
Asked if there were likely to be any surprises, Vettori said that depended on how closely cricket fans followed domestic cricket.
‘‘There are some names there who have been knocking on the door for a little while. Probably a couple of guys have got a chance in the one dayers.
‘‘They may be a surprise to some people. It's inevitable that when guys haven't performed there are going to be a few changes.''
While Otago wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum is a given for both the test and one day squads, Vettori, when asked to comment on Otago representation for the tour, suggested at least four others could be looked at closely by the national selectors.
‘‘Looking purely at a one-day squad, I've heard good things about Neil Broom. I haven't seen him play too much but all reports back say he's a very good player.
‘‘Then you need to look at guys like Warren McSkimming and Bradley Scott who are having fantastic years again.
‘‘While they may not be considered for the test squad, I'm pretty sure they're knocking on those one-day squads because it's pretty important that you look at the guys who are succeeding at first class level.
‘‘They should be the guys who get a chance if people at the top aren't performing.''
Vettori said Otago opener Craig Cumming, who has suffered from New Zealand's revolving door policy with test opening batsmen, would continue to be close to selection in the test squad.
Vettori had been in close contact with the national selectors and while he had no sway over final selections, his input was sought.
‘‘They've been great with me. They seem to value my opinion and they like to know my feelings on a player. I've got a good relationship with all four of them.
‘‘We get together and discuss it . . . I give them my thoughts and they take those to the selection meetings and work it out from there.''
