KIWI coach Gary Stead has defended the selection of all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn – who was arrested on charges of rape in 2015.

Kuggeleijn could make his Test debut against England in Mount Maunganui as the Blackcaps suffer a bowling crisis.

The 31-year-old was found not guilty at a retrial in 2017 after the jury was unable to reach a verdict at the first trial.

The complainant told the court she “said ‘no’ dozens of times” and Kuggeleijn was booed when he played T20 cricket for New Zealand shortly afterwards.

His possible appearance against England has caused further outrage on social media.

One person Tweeted: “Scott Kuggeleijn, should not be anywhere near cricket, yet he is picked? Sad.”

A second commented: “Scott Kuggeleijn seriously bro?”

A third wrote: “Impossible to support the Blackcaps when Scott Kuggeleijn in the team.”

But Stead insisted: “I get the players I can choose from and we have gone with a resilient character.

“You look around for guys who can do a job for us internationally and he is one who can.”

New Zealand are refusing to pick star left-arm paceman Trent Brent, who lives in Mount Maunganui but declined a central contract to prioritise his T20 franchise career.

The Kiwis are without fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson (back injury) and Matt Henry (birth of first child).

Along with Kuggeleijn, they have also added Jacob Duffy to the squad.

The first test between the two sides is set to take place on February 16 at the Bay Oval.