1.   Opening batsman Aamir Sohail is back from injury and he replaces Shadab Kabir.

2.   Opening batsman Grant Flower of Zimbabwe stood between New Zealand and first-day advantage in the opening of two cricket Tests between the two nations Thursday.

3.   Opening batsman Shahid Afridi smashed his first ball out of the ground for six but added only two more.

4.   Players to miss out on the touring squad were Auckland allrounder Justin Vaughan, who toured the West Indies earlier this year, and opening batsman Bryan Young.

5.   Warne was included in the Australian team to face the West Indies in the first test in Brisbane from Friday, but opening batsman Michael Slater was dropped.

6.   Among other players considered but rejected were all-rounders Craig White, Jason Gallian and Adam Hollioake, plus opening batsman Trevor Ward.

7.   Beleaguered veteran Australian batsman Mark Waugh still has plenty to offer the world champion cricket team, opening batsman and team-mate Justin Langer said here Thursday.

8.   New Zealand were rueing their decision to put the hosts in having won the toss as Lara and opening batsman Robert Samuels ripped into their attack.

9.   Opening batsman Andy Moles defied a thigh injury to hit a century and lead champions Warwickshire to a three-wicket victory over Somerset at Edgbaston.

10.   Opening batsman Knight, who played his two Tests last summer, is also rewarded for his England A performances and fine early summer batting form.