Spearman Joins F.I.C.A World XI Squad – 17/01/2005 Former Black Cap and current Gloucestershire batsman Craig Spearman has been added to the FICA World XI squad to play the Black Caps in the National Bank Series starting on Saturday 22 January in Christchurch. Spearman is now based in England and plays as an overseas player for Central Districts in New Zealand’s domestic competition. Under ICC regulations he will qualify to play for England at the end of 2005. Spearman replaces Andy Flower who has been a late withdrawal from the upcoming series. Michael Bevan, who was to join the FICA squad for the final match in the National Bank Series, will now miss this match. Bevan has been selected by Australian Prime Minister John Howard to captain the Prime Minister’s XI versus West Indies on 25th January. FICA chief Tim May said this is a great honour for Michael and an opportunity he could not turn down. ” Although we are disappointed to lose Michael’s services for game three in the series versus the Black Caps, we congratulate him on his selection to captain the Prime Minister’s XI,” said May. ” We have made a decision not to replace Michael Bevan as he was only appearing in the final match and Justin Langer’s arrival for that game will sufficiently bolster the squad.” The Brit Insurance sponsored FICA World XI squad will assemble in Christchurch on Thursday 20th January.
