New Zealand Names Squad For Chappell-Hadlee Trophy ODIs Against Australia; Kane Williamson Returns

The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) board has named the Blackcaps squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia which is also known as the Chappell-Hadlee trophy. The BLACKCAPS and Australia meet in three day-night ODIs in Cairns on Tuesday, September 6, Thursday the 8^th, and Sunday the 11^th.

The squad sees Ben Sears being retained after he was called up as a backup as an injury replacement on the recent West Indies tour. He had replaced injured Matt Henry in the New Zealand XI, who had also returned to the squad for the Australia ODIs.

Matt Henry had suffered a rib injury which led to him being ruled out of the Caribbean tour and sees himself being included in the New Zealand squad. However, there was no place for batsmen Henry Nicholls and Will Young, as Glenn Phillips was also retained.

The remainder of the side has a familiar feel to it as the BLACKCAPS prepare to contest the iconic trans-Tasman trophy for the 12^th time as a series, with Australia leading the ledger 6-4, with two drawn series.

It’s A Great Rivalry We Have With Australia: Kane Williamson

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will resume captaincy duties after missing the final two games against West Indies in Barbados when Tom Latham led the team.

“It’s a great rivalry we have with Australia; it’s always a huge occasion for the fans, and the team really look forward to it. You grow up watching the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series and remembering the great battles, so to be part of another chapter is pretty special. We know how tough Australia are to beat in their own conditions and we’re looking forward to the challenge,”Williamson was quoted by nzc.nz.

Coach Gary Stead said: “The fact we’re having to leave out players of the calibre of Ish, Henry, and Will shows the increased depth we currently have at our disposal. Glenn’s a versatile player who can cover most places in the batting order for us – as well as providing a bowling option if needed.

It’s great to welcome back Matt. He’s been one of our front line one-day bowlers for the past few years and his ICC ODI bowling ranking of six is testament to that. The inclusion of Ben Sears is a nod to the future, and we also think his pace and bounce could be a good option in Australian conditions.

It’ll be nice to have Kane back after missing the final two games of the West Indies series through injury. He’s obviously a world class player and his leadership and experience is invaluable to our group.” 

Kyle Jamieson (back) and Adam Milne (Achilles) weren’t considered due to injury.

New Zealand squad for Australia ODIs:

Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Tim Southee

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