NEW ZEALAND: The opening batsman of New Zealand Tom Latham is all set to lead New Zealand for an unofficial 3 match series against Australia. The first match of the series will be played in Brisbane next month.
Before the World Cup, this series would be crucial from Kiwi batsman Tom Latham. There will be no big names in the playing X1 as most of them have IPL contracts and few are playing England Domestic Circuit. But there are some names in this Squad who were selected in the World Cup squad. Players like Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham, Tom Blundell will be looking at this series as a first step for the preparation of the world cup.
It will be a good chance for the Domestic Players to improve their games. Players like Will young, Tom Bruce, Hamish Rutherford who achieved a lot in New Zealand domestic circuit have got the chance to showcase their talent in Australia.
New Zealand Selector Gavin Larsen said “The matches will be a stern test and provide quality preparation for those players bound for England and a great opportunity for the rest of the squad to show their wares”
New Zealand, who already announced their 15 Men squad for the World Cup earlier. So this will be a good way to move ahead to the World Cup.
New Zealand XI squad: Tom Latham (c), Todd Astle, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell (wk), Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Hamish Rutherford, Blair Tickner, George Worker, and Will Young.
It will be a huge chance for Young Wicketkeeper batsman, Tom Blundell who has been added in the squad instead of Tim Seifert who injured himself in the Domestic Match. It will be the right time for him to shut the mouth of his critics.
On the other hand, Australia is yet to announce their squad for these matches. The 3 match series will commence from 5 May in Brisbane. The other two matches will be played on 7 and 9 May.