New Zealand recall Sinclair for Sri Lanka test

ADELAIDE, Dec 2 (Reuters) Mathew Sinclair was recalled to the New Zealand test team for the first time in two years as part of a 13-man squad for next week's first test against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.

The New Zealand selectors also included specialist opener Craig Cumming and bolstered the team's pace attack after Kyle Mills was ruled out with a knee injury.

Michael Mason and Iain O'Brien were added to the squad, although one of them is likely to be omitted when the squad is trimmed to 12.

Sinclair made a double-century on his test debut against the West Indies in 1999 but has struggled to hold his place in the team and has not played a test in two years.

New Zealand coach John Bracewell said Sinclair had been recalled because of his consistent performances in first-class cricket, while Cumming was included because the Kiwis wanted a specialist opener after experimenting with different players.

''In Sinclair's case, it is a continuation of the runs he scored last season and Cumming has had test experience,'' Bracewell told the New Zealand Press Association.

''In the end, it came down to a sheer weight of runs compared with the other possible candidates.

''We've gone back to looking at selecting options who choose to open rather than being asked to.'' New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (captain), Craig Cumming, Jamie How, Mathew Sinclair, Nathan Astle, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Chris Martin, Michael Mason, Ian O'Brien.

REUTERS PM ND1108