In a method to manage the workload of the Kiwi players and the support staff, the New Zealand selectors have decided to go with separate squads for their upcoming series against India and Pakistan, as the defending World Test Champions travel to the subcontinent in early 2023.
After the ODI series against Pakistan in Karachi, captains Kane Williamson (white ball) and Tim Southee (Test), as well as coaches Gary Stead and Shane Jurgensen, will return home to get ready for the two Test matches against England that will start in mid-February. For three ODIs and as many T20Is in India, Luke Ronchi will serve as the team’s head coach. Meanwhile, Tom Latham will captain the side during the tour.
For the ODI series against India, Mark Chapman of the Auckland Aces and Jacob Duffy of the Otago Volts will replace ODI and Test skippers Williamson and Southee respectively as the duo will travel back home. Veteran Ish Sodhi and Henry Nicholls will both make a comeback into the ODI side after a period of absence.
New Zealand’s selection committee chief Gavin Larsen emphasised that Shipley has improved his game in recent years and that he is eager to see what he can do on the international stage.
“Henry’s an exciting talent who we’ve had our eye on for a while. He’s taken his game to another level in the past 12 months, and we’re delighted to see his progression given how valuable genuine all-rounders are in any cricket team.
The tour will also present further opportunities for the likes of Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, and Mark Chapman, who are hugely talented but still relatively inexperienced at the international ODI level.”
Larsen was quoted as saying in an official statement.
Larsen also said that with the split squad structure, a number of lesser known players would be given the opportunity to showcase their talent.
What is especially important is the fact that both series will be played in the subcontinent, which will also give the selectors an insight into the players’ adaptability to the conditions and the surfaces, given that the World Cup is due to be played in India in 2023.
“This is a great opportunity to take on two quality white-ball sides in sub-continental conditions. It’s going to be tough cricket against world-class opposition, which should prove a real test of a player’s skill and temperament.
With the one-day World Cup less than a year away in India, it’s the perfect time to be playing these sides at home as we look to nail down our game plans and understand the different situations and conditions we may encounter,”
he added.
The squad nevertheless confirms the exclusion of veterans Trent Boult and Martin Guptill from contention in their teams. While Boult gave up his NZC Central contract in a decision he made to spend more time with his family and to be able to play in T20 leagues around the world, Guptill has been phased out with the Kiwi management opting to give youngster Finn Allen an extended run in the side. While former Test match skipper Williamson refused to close the door on potential returns for both the stalwarts, what is happening in actuality appears quite starkly different.
