Bond and Oram back-up for New Zealand Academy

Shane Bond and Jacob Oram will test their recovering bodies when they play for the New Zealand Academy in Cricket Australia's emerging players tournament in Brisbane in July. Bond, who began his comeback towards the end of last season, and Oram are both returning from serious back problems and will be joined in the squad by Michael Papps, the batsman hit twice in an over by Brett Lee bouncers during an ODI in February.

Dayle Hadlee, the team manager, said the outfit was selected as New Zealand prepared to install their short- and long-term succession plans. "There is an exciting blend of experience and youth within the team," he said. Derek De Boorder and Te Ahu Davis, who are 19, and the 18-year-old Todd Astle will combine with a squad of regular first-class players.

Hadlee said the focus of the tournament would be the one-day and Twenty20 matches with teams from the Australian Institute of Sport and an Indian Academy. A three-day match will conclude the series.

New Zealand Academy Jacob Oram (capt), Graham Aldridge, Todd Astle, Shane Bond, Te Ahu Davis, Derek De Boorder, Peter Fulton, Bruce Martin, Michael Papps, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Hayden Shaw, Ross Taylor.