Jamieson, Kuggeleijn and Bennett called up as new-look NZ pace attack braces for India ODIs

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Hit For Six!

A new-look New Zealand fast bowling attack is all set to take on India in the upcoming three-match ODI series, with all of Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn and Hamish Bennett receiving call-ups.

The trio was named in a 14-man squad, announced on Thursday, 30 January, by New Zealand Cricket. While Jamieson, who hails from Auckland, is uncapped at the international level, Kuggeleijn and Bennett last played ODIs in 2017.

The trio’s call-ups are a consequence of the injuries to Trent Boult, who broke his left hand, Lockie Ferguson, who strained his right calf and Matt Henry, who broke his left thumb.

“While the bowling line-up has a fresh look, the batting is very settled, and we’ll likely have the same top eight batsmen from the World Cup finals,” coach Gary Stead said. “Jimmy and Colin continue as the pace-bowling all-rounders after strong campaigns in England, and they will offer us plenty of firepower and versatility.”

Returning from injury is wicket-keeper batsman Tom Latham, who had sustained a broken left finger. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi will take part in the first ODI, before hooking up with the A squad to face India A in a first-class match in Christchurch, starting on 7 February.

“While the bowling line-up has a fresh look, the batting is very settled, and we’ll likely have the same top eight batsmen from the World Cup finals"

Gary Stead

“It’s great to have Tom fit so we can call on his experience behind the stumps and in the middle order,” Stead said. “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.”

As for the injured pace trio, Stead gave encouraging updates on each of their progress. “Trent Boult is progressing nicely, and we are confident he will be ready for the two Test matches against India.

“Matt Henry is back bowling at training. However, he isn’t at the point of being able to bat or field fully, while Lockie Ferguson is on track to play in the Ford Trophy for the Auckland Aces in the near future.”

The three-match ODI series begins on 05 February at Hamilton’s Seddon Park. The second ODI will be played at the Eden Park in Auckland, before the series concludes at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi (first ODI), Tim Southee, Ross Taylor