New Zealand announce squad for ODI series against India
New Zealand will persist with a new-look pace attack for the series three-match ODI series against India. The likes of Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry are still recovering from their respective injuries. In their absence, Tim Southee will lead the bowling attack alongside the likes of uncapped Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn and Hamish Bennett.
Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls will continue to open the batting. Skipper Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tom Latham will helm a strong middle-order. Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme and Jimmy Neesham are the all-rounders named in the squad. Ish Sodhi, the leg-spinner will only be available for the 1st ODI before departing to play New Zealand A’s four-day match against India A. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell will be the reserve batsman and backup glovesman for the series.
On the squad, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said:
“Tim Southee has an important job leading our new look pace attack, which has a huge opportunity against some of the very best batsmen in the world. While the bowling lineup has a fresh look, the batting is very settled and we’ll likely have the same top eight batsmen from the World Cup finals.”
Stead also commented on how the all-rounders will lend balance to the side:
“Jimmy and Colin continue as the pace bowling allrounders after strong campaigns in England and they will offer us plenty of firepower and versatility. Henry will remain at the top of the order after impressing in the opportunities he’s had. He’s been in good form opening for Canterbury in the latest rounds of the Ford Trophy with a hundred and a half-century to his name.”
The 3-match series will begin on February 5th immediately after the conclusion of the T20I series. The visitors have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the T20I series after their Super Over victory in Hamilton.
Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham (wk), Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi (only 1st ODI), Tim Southee, Ross Taylor
