Following the bleak show in the first three One-day Internationals of the Netmeds series, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has introduced Jimmy Neesham and Todd Astle in the 14-member squad for the remainder of the matches. The duo replaced bowling all-rounder Doug Bracewell and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who went wicketless in second and third ODI respectively. The reason for excluding Sodhi is that he has failed to contain the batters in ongoing India vs New Zealand 2019 series.
Changes over opportunities ahead of the 2019 World Cup:
While talking about the changes, the Black Caps national selector Gavin Larsen, it was in the plan to hand over opportunities to the players ahead of the 2019 ICC World Cup.
“Doug and Ish have been two of the brighter spots of the ODI series so far. We’ve been encouraged by their performances against a quality Indian side. We’re still looking to keep our options open with selections at this stage and ensure we continue to learn as much as we can about our players,” Larsen said in a release.
It is pertinent to point out that Bracewell struggled with the ball, but he made a notable appearance while smashing his maiden ODI fifty at the Bay Oval on January 26.
Bracewell and Sodhi will represent their domestic sides; Central Districts and Nothern Districts in the ongoing T20 Super Smash tournament.
On January 28, India sealed the series by 3-0 with two to go by giving another solid all-round performance. The visitors chased down the target of 244 in 43 overs after losing three wickets.
Both have passed the fitness before being named in the ODI squad. Neesham and Astle have been the part of Twenty20 Super Smash competition.
Larsen has expectations with the duo:
Larsen reiterated he is happy to introduce Neesham and Astle in the squad. He is eyeing a decent performance from the pair.
“It’s great to welcome back the all-round skills of Jimmy and Todd. We’re looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the series,” Larsen added.
Interestingly, who missed out the One-off T20 game due to a Grade-one hamstring against Sri Lanka reaped the rewards in the three-match ODI series. However, the hosts led by Kane Williamson thrashed the Lions by 3-0. With the responsibility given to Neesham, it would be interesting to see how he would show up.
On the other side, leg-spinner Astle has recently featured for Canterbury against Auckland 0n January 26 at Christchurch.
The 32-year-old Palmerston North-born Astle missed out to take on Pakistan in November following his knee injury. The penultimate ODI will be held on January 31 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Here’s the 14-member New Zealand squad for the last two ODIs:
Kane Williamson (c), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Todd Astle, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Colin de Grandhomme, Jimmy Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee.