With several leading stars away on IPL duty, Tom Latham was appointed as the New Zealand captain, on Thursday (April 6), for the upcoming One-Day International tri-series involving Bangladesh and hosts Ireland, to be played next month. The 25-year-old opener will lead his country for the first time when they take on Ireland on May 14 at Malahide, near Dublin.
Latham has struggled for form in the recent past, evidenced by the two runs he compiled in the three matches he played in the five-match ODI series against South Africa. But the national selectors have shown faith in his leadership abilities.
“Tom has been a leader within the side for a while now and this is a chance to continue his development in that area,” selector Gavin Larsen said. “At 25 years old, Tom is still a youthful captain, but he’s performed the role well for Canterbury and New Zealand Under-19 in the past. With the likes of Ross [Taylor] and Luke [Ronchi] around, there also are some experienced players to help support him. It’s a great learning opportunity for Tom and a chance for other squad members to take on a bigger leadership role too,” he added.
Seth Rance, who bagged 11 scalps for Central Districts in the recently-concluded Ford Trophy, and the Northern Districts’ all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn are the two new faces in the setup. Hamish Bennett, George Worker, Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls have been recalled to the squad. Meanwhile, Neil Wagner, the Test specialist, has earned his maiden ODI call-up.
New Zealand’s chief selector said that Wagner’s strong Test match performances have helped the pacer to find a place in the squad. The gritty pacer has bagged 63 Test scalps at 24.19 since January 2016. He also noted that Rance and Kuggeleijn have been rewarded for their consistency in the Ford Trophy.
“Neil is an example of someone whose bowling has gone from strength to strength. He’s performed well in the Ford Trophy when he’s had the chance and also brings considerable international experience to the side.
“Scott and Seth have worked their way into the side following superb domestic form over an extended period of time, which is equally true for George and Hamish who have earned recalls,” he added.
Kane Williamson, the regular captain, Martin Guptill, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Lockie Ferguson, Corey Anderson, Matt Henry and Colin de Grandhomme are missing out due to their IPL 2017 commitments.
After their short tour of Ireland, New Zealand will partake in the Champions Trophy in the United Kingdom in June.
New Zealand ODI squad: Tom Latham (c), Hamish Bennett, Neil Broom, Scott Kuggeleijn, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel, Seth Rance, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, George Worker.
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