New Zealand Recall Ben Wheeler for Pakistan T20Is

New Zealand have recalled Ben Wheeler for the upcoming three-match T20 International against Pakistan, scheduled to get underway on January 22 in Wellington. The left-arm pacer last played for the Black Caps almost a year ago against South Africa in February 2017. The 15-member squad also includes Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, and Lockie Ferguson, who will be rested at different parts during the series.

New Zealand pace spearhead Trent Boult has been rested for the final ODI against Pakistan and will also skip the T20I-opener, paving the way for Wheeler to get into the playing eleven. Seth Rance, who made his debut against Ireland last year, has been recalled to join the ODI squad in Wellington for the final game and will also remain with the team for the first T20I.

“Ben’s ability to swing the ball makes him a threatening bowler and his batting power and athleticism in the field compliments that nicely. It will be nice to see more of Ben and Seth while we manage the workloads of Tim and Trent,” Gavin Larsen, the New Zealand chief selector, said on Wednesday (January 17).

Meanwhile, Mark Chapman, who has represented Hong Kong, missed a maiden call-up from the New Zealand selectors as they persisted with Tom Bruce. Chapman, who played 2 ODIs and 19 T20Is for Hong Kong, has been in fine form in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition. Currently the joint-second highest-scorer, Chapman has scored 300 runs at an average of 37.50, including an innings of 101 off 58 balls against Canterbury.

“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.”

After the series-opener in Wellington, the teams will move to Auckland for the second game on January 25. The final match of the series will be played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on January 28.

New Zealand T20 squad:

Kane Williamson (c), Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor (1st game only), Tom Bruce, Glenn Phillips, Colin de Grandhomme, Anaru Kitchen, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (1st and 3rd games only), Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson (2nd and 3rd games only), Ben Wheeler, Seth Rance, Trent Boult (2nd and 3rd games only).

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