Ben Wheeler has not featured in a Twenty20 International since February 2017
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
New Zealand have recalled left-arm pace bowler Ben Wheeler for the upcoming three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan, which begins on January 22 in Wellington.
Wheeler’s last Twenty20 International came in February 2017 against South Africa. Overall, the 26-year-old has taken five wickets in his four Twenty20 Internationals at an average of 23.20.
Meanwhile, Seth Rance has also been drafted into the side and will also be included in New Zealand’s squad for the fifth ODI. The move comes after it was confirmed that left-arm pace bowler Trent Boult will be rested for the final ODI and the first Twenty20 International. However, Boult will be available for the second and third Twenty20 Internationals.
“Ben’s ability to swing the ball makes him a threatening bowler and his batting power and athleticism in the field compliments that nicely,” New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said. “It will be nice to see more of Ben and Seth while we manage the workloads of Tim and Trent.”
Seamer Lockie Ferguson will also only be available for the second and third matches, while veteran batsman Ross Taylor will be rested for the last two Twenty20 Internationals.
Meanwhile, Tom Bruce retained his spot in the side to close the door on Hong Kong-born Mark Chapman receiving his maiden call-up to the Twenty20 squad.
Chapman, who plays for Auckland, has been in red-hot form in the Super Smash, which is New Zealand’s domestic Twenty20 competition, as he is currently tied in second with 300 runs to his name at an average of 37.50 and a strike-rate of 175.43.
“We have three guys who were seriously considered for that specialist batsman spot at number five, however we’ve backed the incumbents who have performed so well of us in recent times,” Larsen said. “Mark has been really impressive for Auckland, but with the form that Tom and Ross have been in we felt they deserved to continue getting opportunities. We’d like to see Mark continue to work on his bowling, which could open up other opportunities for him outside of just that number five spot.”
Given that Chapman wasn’t selected, the 23-year-old is still eligible to play for Hong Kong, but it is unlikely that he will represent them at the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in March.
New Zealand’s T20 Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult (2nd & 3rd T20 only), Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson (2nd & 3rd T20 only), Martin Guptill, Anaru Kitchen, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (1st & 3rd T20 only), Ross Taylor (1st T20 only), Ben Wheeler