Trent Boult will miss the first Test against South Africa as he is expecting the birth of his child while New Zealand have included Blair Tickner and Cam Fletcher in the team.
Follow Us
New Zealand has announced a 15-man squad for the first Test against South Africa which will be played at the Hagley Oval. Trent Boult will miss the match as he is with his family expecting the birth of his first child. Kane Williamson, who has been plagued with an elbow injury for the past six months, will not be in the side. Tom Latham will continue to lead the side in Williamson’s absence. New Zealand has included two rookies in Blair Tickner and Cam Fletcher for the Test.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead stressed the importance of the team having a flexible approach in times of coronavirus. “Injuries and COVID have forced us to be flexible and I’m really excited with the squad picked. I’d like to congratulate Cam and Blair on making the squad. I also acknowledge Hamish and Colin for fighting their way back into the Test set-up,” Stead said.
Read – Keegan Petersen Ruled out of New Zealand Tests
The side also sees Hamish Rutherford and Colin de Grandhomme back in the team. De Grandhomme played in the ICC World Test Championship but was plagued by injury. But, Rutherford makes a comeback after seven years. The left-hander last played against Sri Lanka in Wellington in 2015.
Rutherford impressed with a century on debut against England in Dunedin in 2013. However, his form tapered away and he was dropped from the side after 2015. However, his consistency in the recent Plunkett Shield as well as in other domestic tournaments in New Zealand has resulted in his comeback.
Cam Fletcher, who plays for Northern Districts in domestic cricket, has also been in good form across all three formats. Blair Tickner, on the other hand, impressed in the one-dayer and Twenty20s for Central Districts. Speaking on their selection, Stead heaped praise on the duo.
“Cam has been excellent across the three formats for Canterbury over the past couple of seasons, producing consistent and often match-winning performances for his team. This will be a great opportunity for him to come into the Black Caps environment and soak up the experience as much as he can,” Stead said.
Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young
Rishabh Pant's explosive last-over blitz ignites IPL 2024 amid T20 World Cup comeback talks
