Ish Sodhi has not played an ODI since the tour of India in October © Associated Press
New Zealand have recalled the legspinner Ish Sodhi for the deciding Chappell-Hadlee match in Hamilton on Sunday following his success against Australia in the corresponding fixture last year.
Sodhi, who enjoyed a fruitful stint with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League – that he said rejuvenated his love for the game – was a key performer for the hosts when they emerged victorious in the deciding match of the 2016 series at Seddon Park. Figures of 2 for 31, including the wickets of the captain Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell, earned Sodhi the Man of the Match award.
“History shows that the Seddon Park pitch can be spin friendly and for that reason Ish has been brought into the squad,” New Zealand national selector Gavin Larsen said.
“We wanted the option of two specialist spinners for this match and it’s a venue that Ish has had some success in at in the past. Mike [Hesson] and Kane [Williamson] will now get the opportunity to assess the pitch over the next couple of days and make a decision from there as to who will be in the playing eleven.”
Sodhi’s time in the BBL was highlighted by a devastating spell of 6 for 11 that served to eliminate the defending champions Sydney Thunder from the competition.
In other team news, Dean Brownlie has been retained in the squad as Martin Guptill remains doubtful due to a hamstring strain. “Martin has made progress in the last couple of days, but it’s not yet clear whether he’ll be available for selection,” Larsen said. “At this stage it’s probably 50-50.”
The wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has been released to Wellington after Tom Latham’s good work with the gloves in the opening match of the series in Auckland.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo