ENG vs NZ: New Zealand Suffer Big Blow As Jimmy Neesham Decides To Skip T20I Series

New Zealand have been forced to make a change in their T20I squad for the upcoming four-match series against England after suffering a big blow. Their veteran allrounder Jimmy Neesham will miss the forthcoming T20I assignment against England.

The 32-year-old was due to link up with the New Zealand side after the completion of the recently-concluded The Hundred where he was plying his trade for The Oval Invincibles. On Sunday (August 27), he played in the final against Manchester Originals and scored a quickfire unbeaten fifty to help his side win the tournament.

The Invincibles were reeling at 34 for 5 before he and Tom Curran shared an unbeaten stand of 127 runs for the sixth wicket. Neesham scored an unbeaten 57 off 33 balls with the help of seven fours and a six. Curran, on the other hand, remained unbeaten on 67 off 34 balls with the help of four fours and five sixes. The Invincibles went on to win the final by 14 runs.

Jimmy Neesham to miss England series:

Soon after the final, Jimmy Neesham was due to join the New Zealand camp. However, he has decided to return home to be with his wife ahead of the birth of their first child. New Zealand coach Gary Stead fully supported the ace allrounder’s decision to return home and skip the upcoming series. Jimmy Neesham has been replaced by allrounder Cole McConchie in the New Zealand squad.

“The birth of a child is a special time and we are a family environment,” Stead said. “We are glad to be able to support Jimmy in heading home.”

“Cole has impressed us this year when he’s been given opportunities in international cricket and offers any squad options with bat and bowl while also being a strong fielder,” added the New Zealand coach.

Jimmy Neesham is also not a part of the ODI series that will take place after the T20Is as he wants to spend time with his family. However, he is likely to be a part of the Black Caps’ World Cup squad. In the last World Cup, he had impressed with both bat and ball. He had scored 232 runs and picked up 15 wickets to help his side make it to the final.

Meanwhile, the four-match T20I series is scheduled to get underway on Wednesday (August 30) at Chester-le-Street.

New Zealand T20I squad against England: Tim Southee (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi