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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced its full squad for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies starting from July 11 in Guyana. Several changes have been made to the squad for the five-match tour, as several players are unavailable for selection due to injury and personal reasons.
Northern Districts fast bowler Matt Fisher, who has played one Test and one T20I for New Zealand, has been included in the squad for the ODI series for the first time. Fisher will join the team alongside current Sir Richard Hadlee Medal winner Jacob Duffy to strengthen the fast bowling department.
Matt Fisher can make his ODI debut for New Zealand
The inclusion of Matt Fisher and the return of Jacob Duffy are two of the major decisions taken by the country’s cricket governing body. Fisher performed impressively during the domestic season, taking 43 wickets at an average of 26 in 25 matches.
On the other hand, this will be the first opportunity for Jacob Duffy after being with the team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in March. He missed the recently concluded Test series against England to welcome the birth of his first child.
New Zealand expect an exciting tour despite the absence of many key players
NZC reported that Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke would miss the series due to workload management. The pace trio played a consistent role in England’s historic Test series against England in India. He has been rested during the ODI match against West Indies.
In the absence of Jamieson, Henry and O’Rourke, the fast bowling department will be manned by Duffy, Christian Clarke, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith.
Blackcaps head coach Rob Walter said, “It’s great to have Jacob and Matt joining the group, and I know they will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm. It’s a great opportunity to introduce Matt to the ODI group for the first time. He bowls at good pace and has been working hard on his variations to ensure he can bowl at different stages of the innings.”
“Jacob has been a fantastic player for us over the past few years across all formats. His skills and experience will be a great asset to our team and I know he is looking forward to representing New Zealand again,” he said.
The responsibility of leading the team will be on Mitchell Santner. Santner resumed his duties as white-ball captain of the New Zealand cricket team. Santner along with Michael Bracewell, Jayden Lennox and Dean Foxcroft will provide additional spin bowling quality to the team.
Blair Tickner, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra will not play ODI match against West Indies
Blair Tickner, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are among the notable absentees from the team. Tickner is set to miss the series due to his scheduled ankle surgery, while Devon Conway is not available for selection as the opener will spend time with his family following the birth of his second child during the England Test series, as informed by the cricket board.
Another top-order batsman, Rachin Ravindra, will not travel with the team due to his commitments for the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) season.
New Zealand’s full squad for ODI against West Indies:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Christian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Haye, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
