Uncapped Tom Blundell Included In New Zealand Squad For Chappell-Hadlee series

Jan 21, 2017 at 9:59 AM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Uncapped Tom Blundell Included In New Zealand Squad For Chappell-Hadlee series

New Zealand have included uncapped wicket-keeper Tom Blundell in their 14-man squad for the Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia beginning this month. The 26-year-old, who made his T20I debut earlier this month against Bangladesh, will replace the injured Luke Ronchi.

Meanwhile, senior batsman Ross Taylor has returned to the ODI team and has replaced Jeetan Patel, who was picked for the third ODI against Bangladesh. Corey Anderson, who scored 94* against Bangladesh in the last match of the recently concluded T20 series, has been left out of the squad.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said Blundell will have another opportunity to prove his credentials and added that opening batsman Tom Latham can also take up the wicketkeeping job if and when required.

“It’s hard to replace the experience that Luke brings, but it’s good Tom Blundell got a small taste of the environment during the Twenty20 series against Bangladesh and this will be another opportunity for him in the squad,” Gavin Larson said.

“Having Tom Latham as an option gives the squad flexibility and allows us the chance to play an extra bowling option. He’s done it before for us, but we’ll look to give Tom an opportunity to have a game with the gloves in the Ford Trophy before the opening match,” he added.

Larsen also welcomed the inclusion of Ross Taylor in the squad.

“We have a number of options to consider in the middle order and having Ross and Neil in there gives the batting line-up a much more experienced look to it than the squad which toured Australia,” Larson said. “Australia have shown how dangerous they are, but with the Chappell-Hadlee trophy on the line at home, we know we have an exciting opportunity.”

Meanwhile, the Black Caps will be looking to set records straight when they host the world champions. Kane Williamson’s men were thrashed 3-0 in Australia last month but will back themselves to do well in familiar conditions. The three-match series will start on January 30 in Auckland before moving to Napier and Hamilton for the remaining games.

New Zealand Squad’s for Chappell-Hadlee series:

Kane Williamson, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

Related Article
WWE Raw: The Rock announced for April 1 Wrestlemania go-home edition
WWE Raw: The Rock announced for April 1 Wrestlemania go-home edition

Mar 19, 2024, 2:43 PM


WWE Raw: Becky Lynch Wins Last Woman Standing Match On March 18 Episode
WWE Raw: Becky Lynch Wins Last Woman Standing Match On March 18 Episode

Mar 19, 2024, 2:38 PM


Wrestlemania 40: CM Punk Confirms His Status At WWE PLE
Wrestlemania 40: CM Punk Confirms His Status At WWE PLE

Mar 19, 2024, 2:33 PM


Wrestlemania 40: New Teams Advance To Six-Pack Ladder Match At WWE PLE
Wrestlemania 40: New Teams Advance To Six-Pack Ladder Match At WWE PLE

Mar 19, 2024, 2:28 PM


Wrestlemania 40: Bray Wyatt’s Documentary Announced Amid WWE Hall Of Fame Rumors
Wrestlemania 40: Bray Wyatt’s Documentary Announced Amid WWE Hall Of Fame Rumors

Mar 19, 2024, 2:23 PM


Will Charlotte Flair Appear On March 29 Episode Of WWE Smackdown?
Will Charlotte Flair Appear On March 29 Episode Of WWE Smackdown?

Mar 18, 2024, 7:26 PM