WELLINGTON, (Reuters) – New Zealand’s search for stability at the top of the order looks set to continue after Peter Fulton and Hamish Rutherford were dropped from the list of players awarded central contracts by New Zealand Cricket yesterday.
While both could still be included in squads in the next 12 months, the fact they had not been included in the 20-player list indicated NZC were preparing to seek alternative openers for the test side.
New Zealand have struggled with a stable opening partnership for the better part of a decade, though Fulton and Rutherford hinted at potential against England last year when they put on 158 for the first wicket, with Rutherford scoring 171 on debut.
In the 11 tests they have opened New Zealand’s batting since, however, they have combined for a total of 539 runs for the first wicket at a modest average of 26.75.
In seven of the 20 innings, their partnership scored less than 10 runs, while they have passed 50 just four times.
Six new players were handed central contracts, with young pace bowlers Adam Milne and Matt Henry the most notable inclusions as the selectors look ahead to the World Cup, which New Zealand will co-host with Australia in early 2015.
Both Milne and Henry impressed earlier this year in limited overs matches, with the former reaching speeds in excess of 150 km per hour before they both suffered injuries.
