New Zealand Cricket (NZC), on Monday, announced their 15-member squad for the One-Day International (ODI) series in their upcoming limited-overs tour to Pakistan.
Not surprisingly, it is not a full-strength squad, as the likes of Tim Southee, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, and Lockie Ferguson have been given clearance to participate in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Veteran Kane Williamson was also part of the cash-rich league for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) this season but has been ruled out with a knee injury.
Notably, the current composition of the Black Caps team is reminiscent of the one that hosted a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which the hosts won by 2-0. The squad comprises Cole McConchie and Benjamin Lister, who have yet to debut in an ODI match. However, across different formats, McConchie has been one of the top scorers in New Zealand’s domestic competitions this season, making him a valuable addition to the team.
“The successful ODI Series earlier this year in Pakistan provided big learning opportunities for the players, and having more ODI match experience is fantastic in a World Cup year. Cole has been a leader for Canterbury and at New Zealand, A level for a number of seasons, but his contributions to winning games across formats really stood out this summer, “ said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead in a statement.
Further, the Black Caps have also added legendary Pakistan icon Saqlain Mushtaq as their assistant coach. For the unversed, Saqlain was the head coach of Pakistan until February. The ace spinner confirmed the development and said his latest role is for a brief period.
“I have accepted this role for a brief period after New Zealand Cricket approached me. I will only work with the team during their stay in Pakistan. I am currently in the United States and will join the NZ squad upon my return on April 12,” said Saqlain while speaking to Geo News.
New Zealand ODI squad for Pakistan tour: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Chad Bowes, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
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