Uncapped Anaru Kitchen Included in New Zealand's T20 Squad

Uncapped all-rounder Anaru Kitchen has been drafted by New Zealand for the upcoming three-match T20I against West Indies, while senior batsman Martin Guptill makes a comeback after an injury lay off.

Tom Bruce and Glenn Phillips, who made their T20I debut earlier this year were also included in the squad along with seam bowler Seth Rance, who is yet to make his T20I debut but has represented the Black Caps in two fifty overs game. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi was given the nod ahead of Todd Aste in the spin department with left-arm spinning all-rounder Mitchell Santner lead the attack.

Senior cricketers will be rested through the series. Regular skipper Kane Williamson, who is currently on a break will not return until the second T20, experienced fast bowler Tim Southee will lead the side in the absence of Williamson. Left-arm pacer Trent Boult will miss the miss the first two games whereas Ross Taylor will be available only for the first.

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All-rounder Colin De Grandhomme will also slot into the squad after his return to the country following the death of his father; however, the date of his return is still unknown.

The 33-year-old Kitchen has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and has been in good knick since the start of New Zealand’s domestic season. He can bowl decent left-arm spin and bats in the middle order for Otago’s T20 side.

“When you add Anaru Kitchen to the likes of Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Glenn Phillips and Tom Bruce, there’s a lot of threats throughout the batting line-up – there are more explosive batting options than ever before. Anaru has performed superbly for Otago the past couple of seasons and with his ability to bowl as well, he brings a lot to the side,” selector Garvin Larson said after announcing the squad.

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Guptill missed the ODI series with a hamstring injury, but will likely open the innings in the T20s. The series begins in Nelson on December 29, before shifting their base to Mt. Maunganui for matches on January 1 and 3.

Though they have lost all matches on tour so far, West Indies are world champions in the shortest format and are likely to prove their worth.

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New Zealand squad: Tim Southee (capt. for first T20), Doug Bracewell, Tom Bruce, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Anaru Kitchen, Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor (1st T20 only), Kane Williamson (capt. in 2nd and 3rd T20), Trent Boult (3rd T20 only)