“It’s a great learning opportunity for Tom”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
New Zealand opener Tom Latham will captain the ODI team during their tri-series against Ireland and Bangladesh in May.
Latham has been handed the leadership role due to the fact that 10 players, including regular skipper Kane Williamson, are unavailable since they will be plying their trade at the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The national selectors had considered the possibility of handing the reins to veteran batsman Ross Taylor, but decided against it since Latham is 25 and has the potential to be a full-time captain in the future.
“Tom has been a leader within the side for a while now and this is a chance to continue his development in that area,” New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said. “At 25 years old Tom is still a youthful captain, but he’s performed the role well for Canterbury and New Zealand Under-19 in the past. With the likes of Ross and Luke in the squad, there also are some experienced players to help support him.
“It’s a great learning opportunity for Tom and a chance for other squad members to take on a bigger leadership role too.”
Since a plethora of players are unavailable for selection, New Zealand have had to give their squad a facelift and have recalled pace bowler Hamish Bennett, all-rounder George Worker and batsmen Henry Nicholls and Colin Munro.
The uncapped trio of Neil Wagner, Scott Kuggeleijn and Seth Rance are also in the team, but there was no place for Ed Nuttall, Doug Bracewell and Ben Wheeler since all of them are currently nursing injuries.
It has also been confirmed that spinner Jeetan Patel will join the Black Caps ahead of their fourth match in the tri-series.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to give new players a taste of international cricket, as well as reward guys who have pushed their way back into contention,” Larsen said. “Neil is an example of someone whose bowling has gone from strength to strength. He’s performed well in the Ford Trophy when he’s had the chance and also brings considerable international experience to the side.
“Scott and Seth have worked their way into the side following superb domestic form over an extended period of time, which is equally true for George and Hamish who have earned recalls.”
The ODI tri-series is scheduled to get underway on May 12, but New Zealand’s first game will be against Ireland two days later.
New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (capt), Hamish Bennett, Neil Broom, Scott Kuggeleijn, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel, Seth Rance, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, George Worker.