Nick Kelly is all set to open the batting for New Zealand in the series alongside Will Young in the absence of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra who are on IPL duty. © Getty New Zealand have called up the uncapped duo of Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan at home. Kelly has been rewarded for his impressive showing in the domestic circuit where he has scored over 1300 runs in the season across formats. The 31-year-old is all set to open the batting for New Zealand in the series alongside Will Young in the absence of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra who are on IPL duty. Abbas, a 21-year-old allrounder who migrated to New Zealand from Pakistan, has been rewarded for scoring runs in the Ford Trophy. Leg-spinner Adi Ashok, who made his debut against Bangladesh in December 2023 has been picked as well. Only eight members from the squad that reached the Champions Trophy final earlier this month have been selected. Apart from the group that’s playing in the IPL currently, Kane Williamson has also not been picked after he made himself unavailable for the series. In the fast bowling department, Matt Henry continues to be on the sidelines as he recovers from his right shoulder and left knee issues. Kyle Jamieson’s workload is being managed and as a result, he has been left out as well. In the absence of regular skipper Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham will captain the squad. “With a group of regular ODI players unavailable, we have a selected group of high-potential players who are now ready for opportunities at international level,” said head selector Sam Wells. “With the next ICC ODI pinnacle event still two and half years away, the series is a perfect opportunity to introduce, or re-introduce in the case of Adi, these players to international cricket now. “Nick has been the standout domestic batsman the last few seasons. He is a dynamic stroke maker with power, and he can bat anywhere in the top six. Mo is one of our most promising young batters and he also provides a sixth bowling option which is required in the absence of Rachin (Ravindra) and Glenn (Phillips). It’s nice to be welcoming Adi back into the group again after having a taste of international cricket a couple of years ago. “His performances for Auckland have been impressive. His accuracy in the middle overs is a valuable skill set he can bring to the team and now is a good time to give him some more valuable international experience.” The first ODI is scheduled to be held in Napier on March 29 before the teams travel to Hamilton for the second game in Hamilton. Mount Maunganui will host the final ODI on April 5. New Zealand have already hammered Pakistan in the T20Is, sealing the series with a game to spare. Squad: Tom Latham (C), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young
