AUCKLAND: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a 13-member squad for the upcoming home ODI series against Pakistan, starting on 29 March.
Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly have earned their maiden calls to the New Zealand squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series at home against Pakistan.
However, after making himself unavailable, New Zealand stalwart Kane Williamson wasn’t considered for selection.
Due to workload management, towering fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, who played in the Champions Trophy and the ongoing T2OI series against Pakistan, will also miss the upcoming series.
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Injured pacer Matt Henry will remain on the sidelines as he is undergoing rehab for a shoulder and knee issue.
In the absence of seniors, Will O’Rourke will continue to lead the pace attack in the format after spearheading the attack in the shorter format.
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In addition, the seam attack will include Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, and Nathan Smith, while Auckland legspinner Adithya Ashok has been brought back to the team after last representing New Zealand in December 2023.
Tom Latham will lead the side in Mitchell Santner’s absence, who is currently featuring in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Mitch Hay has been named the backup wicketkeeper for the Black Caps.
Abbas, a 21-year-old, is considered one of the most skilled all-format batsmen in New Zealand’s domestic cricket.
He is the son of Azhar Abbas Haraj, a former Pakistani player who, after relocating to New Zealand with his family, represented Wellington and Auckland. Currently, Abbas Sr serves as the assistant coach for the Wellington team.
Muhammad Abbas made his maiden List A century against Central Districts in New Plymouth last month. Abbas can also bowl left-arm seam and add depth to the attack.
Following the squad announcement, the New Zealand selection manager, Sam Wells, stated the upcoming series against Pakistan is an opportunity to test out the bench players
“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,” Wells said.
New Zealand ODI squad
Tom Latham (capt, wk), Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young
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