New Zealand appeal for more Tests

New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill joined calls for more international matches for the Black Caps as they struggle to lift their profile.
Guptill, who has been in impressive form in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), yesterday said New Zealand would struggle to improve on its eighth-placed Test ranking without a steady diet of matches against quality opponents.
Legendary all-rounder Richard Hadlee recently said New Zealand needed more Tests but the perception in other countries was that the team was not box-office material.
"It appears our value to other countries is not significant enough to keep us long enough in their country to make decent money. I think there should be some commitment to honour future tour programmes," Hadlee said.

His comments came as officials continue to thrash out India's itinerary for their New Zealand tour next February.
India, ranked number two in the world, want to reduce the scheduled three-Test programme to two.
Guptill, who will miss the rest of the Caribbean tournament with a broken bone in his right hand, said it was time other countries took note of the quality of New Zealand cricketers.
Guptill scored 198 runs at an average of 33 for the Warriors, who topped the group stage of the CPL, while team-mate James Franklin tops the averages with 170 runs at 42.50 and Ross Taylor has scored 141 runs for Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.