New Zealand name ODI squad for West Indies series, Jacob Duffy returns

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced its full squad for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies in Guyana, starting on July 11. The five-game tour has made multiple changes to the team, as several players are unavailable for selection due to injury and personal reasons.

Northern Districts speedster Matt Fisher, who has played one Test and one T20I for New Zealand, receives his maiden call-up for the ODI series. Fisher will join the team alongside the reigning Sir Richard Hadlee Medal winner Jacob Duffy to strengthen the pace bowling department.

Matt Fisher could make his ODI debut for New Zealand

The inclusion of Matt Fisher and the return of Jacob Duffy are among the two key decisions taken by the cricket governing body of the nation. Fisher was impressive during the domestic season, taking 43 wickets from 25 matches at an average of 26.

On the other side, it will be the first for Jacob Duffy after his stint with the team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in March. He missed the recently concluded Test series against England to welcome the birth of his first child.

Despite missing out on multiple key players, New Zealand is hopeful for an exciting tour

NZC informs that Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, and Will O’Rourke will miss the series because of workload management. The pacer trio played a relentless role in their historic Test series against England in England. They have been rested during the ODIs against West Indies.

In the absence of Jamieson, Henry, and O’Rourke, the pace bowling department will be operated by Duffy, Kristian Clarke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith.

“It’s great to have Jacob and Matt joining the group, and I know they’ll bring a lot of energy and excitement. It’s a nice opportunity to introduce Matt to the ODI group for the first time. He bowls with good pace and has been working hard on his variations to ensure he can bowl at different stages of the innings,” said Blackcaps Head Coach Rob Walter.

“Jacob has been a stand-out for us in all formats for the past couple of years. His skills and experience will be a great addition to our squad, and I know he’s looking forward to representing New Zealand again,” he added.

The onus to lead the team will be on Mitchell Santner. Santner resumes his duty as the white-ball captain of the New Zealand cricket team. Alongside Santner, Michael Bracewell, Jayden Lennox and Dean Foxcroft will provide the team with extra spin bowling quality.

Blair Tickner, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra will miss the ODIs vs West Indies

Blair Tickner, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra are among the notable absentees from the team. Tickner is set to miss the series because of his scheduled ankle surgery, while Devon Conway is not available for selection as the opener will spend time with his family after the birth of his second child during the England Test series, as the cricket board informs.

Another top-order batter, Rachin Ravindra, will not travel with the squad because of his commitments for the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) season.

New Zealand’s full squad for the ODIs against West Indies:

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.