On Sunday, October 11, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced the ODI squad for the forthcoming India series, commencing on Wednesday, November 4 in Auckland. Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra, and Tim Seifert have been named in the squad, among others.
Interestingly, NZC unveiled two different groups for the five-match ODI series. All-rounder Mitchell Santner will lead both groups, with seven new players joining the second group for the final two ODIs.
It’s worth noting that the red-ball players depart for Wellington after the third ODI to prepare for the first Test at the Basin Reserve on Thursday, November 19.
Rachin Ravindra, who was sidelined for the T20I series against India, is included for the first three ODIs. On the other hand, Allen, Ferguson, and Seifert are slotted into the squad for the final two matches. Zak Foulkes, Will O’Rourke, and Ben Sears were unavailable for selection.
“With the ODI World Cup just one year away it’s important for us to also view these matches as valuable preparation for that event,” Head coach Rob Walter said.
“Bringing in seven players for the final ODIs allows us to test our depth and see how those players fare against a world-class side,” he added.
“Obviously every Test match is important for us in terms of championship points, which is why we’re extracting some of that squad early for additional preparation before the first Test against India at the Basin Reserve on November 19,” he concluded.
New Zealand ODI squads:
ODIs 1–3: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
ODIs 4 & 5: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (WK), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (WK), Blair Tickner, Will Young.
NZ vs IND full series schedule
First T20I: 22 October, Christchurch
Second T20I: 24 October, Christchurch
Third T20I: 27 October, Wellington
Fourth T20I: 30 October, Auckland
Fifth T20I: 1 November, Hamilton
First ODI: 4 November, Auckland
Second ODI: 7 November, Wellington
Third ODI: 10 November, Hamilton
Fourth ODI: 13 November, Mount Maunganui
Fifth ODI: 15 November, Mount Maunganui
First Test: 19-23 November, Wellington
Second Test: 27 November-1 December, Christchurch
