New Zealand names initial nine-man squad for India ODIs

New Zealand named just nine players in its One-Day International squad to take on India next month, and confirmed that the six remaining players would be added from the New Zealand A side currently touring the country.

India, the No. 1 side in the ICC ODI rankings, and New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, will play three ODIs – the series kicking off in Mumbai on October 22 – followed by three Twenty20 Internationals.

There were no new faces, but there were a number of changes for a variety of reasons.

Neil Broom and Jimmy Neesham were dropped from the side that took part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in the United Kingdom in June.

Corey Anderson was unavailable for selection following his back operation after a stress fracture, while Jeetan Patel and Luke Ronchi have retired from international cricket in the interim period.

Mitchell McClenaghan opted out of a New Zealand contract last month to pursue a career in overseas T20 leagues and wasn't considered for the ODIs, but could still be selected for the T20I series.

The nine players who were confirmed for the tour were Williamson, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham – likely to be the No. 1 wicketkeeper, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne and Trent Boult.

Who makes the cut from the New Zealand A side, who is currently playing the first of two four-day games in Vijayawada against India A and will then play five one-day games at the same venue from October 6 to 14, will be of great interest now.

Ish Sodhi, who picked up a five-wicket haul on Sunday in the ongoing first four-day game, is likely to be a prime candidate.

The other players with international experience in the visiting squad are Henry Nicholls, the captain, Todd Astle, Tim Blundell, Tom Bruce, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips, Scott Kuggeleijn, Colin Munro, Seth Rance, Jeet Raval and George Worker.

“The nine we’ve picked have made up the core of our ODI team for a while and all of them have experience playing in India,” said Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, on Sunday. “With a number of our top guys already playing in India, it’s helpful to be able to select the squad in two parts. With six spots left, there’s an obvious incentive for the players in New Zealand A to perform and put their best foot forward.”

Hesson said that Neesham and Broom would need to work their way back into the side, and both were advised about what parts of their game needed improvement. “It will be disappointing for James and Neil, but we’ve talked through the areas that we’d like to see them work on and if we see development, they’ll certainly both come into the reckoning come the home summer,” he said.

“Neil was really effective for us batting at three or four last season, but we have quality, established batsmen in those positions and we’d like to see Neil develop his game further to show he has the skills to bat at five. Jimmy needs go back and really dominate domestic cricket with both bat and ball. We know Jimmy is a talented player, but we’ve spoken with him around improving the consistency in all areas of his game.”

The nine-man squad will leave for India on October 12.

Nine-member squad: Martin Guptill, Tom Latham (wk), Kane Williamson (capt), Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult.