New Zealand’s selectors have included Trent Boult in the squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, as the team is building up towards the big-ticket tournament scheduled in October. The Kiwis have named a 15-man squad for four ODIs in England, ahead of the tournament.
The squad includes Trent Boult, who will reunite with the ODI side which can go around to the World Cup. Furthermore, fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, who was recovering from a long-standing back injury, also received a boost from the selectors as he also makes a return to the ODI squad.
Boult, who played for the Mumbai Indians in the victorious MLC campaign, was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, paving the way for his inclusion in the New Zealand squad for the ODIs. Notably, the left-arm pacer played for the Rajasthan Royals in this year’s IPL after being released from his New Zealand central contract last August.
Mark Chapman and James Neesham are excluded from the ODI squad and are expected to miss the matches due to the news of their readiness to become first-time fathers. The team’s leading spinner, Ish Sodhi, will also return home after the T20Is in England to spend time with his family before gearing up for a busy season.
New Zealand had a quite young ODI squad during its latest Pakistan tour in April-May, they won only one ODI match in that series. Now with Men’s ODI World Cup in perspective, the team seems to be returning to near full strength with the return of Tim Southee, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, and Lockie Ferguson to the side.
In the absence of Kane Williamson, who is still recovering from his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Tom Latham will lead the ODI side. Williamson has undergone surgery and recently started batting again. He is expected to join the squad in England to continue his rehabilitation.
Gary Stead, the coach of the New Zealand cricket team, expressed delight at Kyle Jamieson’s selection and said:
“He’s been working extremely hard on his rehabilitation following back surgery, and we’re looking forward to seeing him back playing on the international stage.”
He also added that Boult was part of the plan for New Zealand for each individual, and his inclusion would aid the team in its preparations for the World Cup. New Zealand’s journey to the World Cup begins with T20 warm-up games against Worcestershire and Gloucestershire from August 25.The series will run through over next couple of weeks with 4 T20is and 4 ODI matches.
New Zealand Team For Upcoming Series Against England
Tom Latham (capt), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Will Young
