Champions Trophy 2017: New Zealand name 15 man squad

The ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is just over a month away and the teams have started off with their preparations for the mega event. The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) recently announced the 15-man squad for the tournament that commences on June 1. Much to the delight of the Kiwi fans, the big three players who have been missing out of international action in the recent past due to injuries are back to the frame.

The selectors have named pacers Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan, and all-rounder Corey Anderson in the squad. All the three players are currently plying their trade in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. Hence, they have proved their match fitness as well. Mike Hesson, the head coach of the national side, expressed his happiness over the return of the three players.

“It’s been good to see all three back on the park and bowling; together they add a lot of experience to our squad. Mitch and Adam have been running in well, and Corey has shown he’ll be capable of providing an option with the ball,” quoted Hesson.

The squad looks very balanced on paper with 5 specialist batsmen, 4 pacers, 4 bowling all-rounders, two spinners and a wicket-keeper. Hesson noted that the squad is not short on experience and is an exciting one going into the tournament.

“We believe it’s an exciting squad; an experienced squad, and one that has the batting power and the bowling variations to prevail in a potentially high-scoring tournament. Having four all-rounders (including Mitchell Santner) certainly helps with balance, and the return of Mitch and Adam will offer options with the new ball, through the middle of the innings, and in the death overs,” remarked the Kiwi coach.

New Zealand will be led by Kane Williamson in the tournament. The players like Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill add experience to the squad. The pace department looks like a threatening prospect in the English conditions and expect them to be calling the shots in the tournament.

New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2017:

Kane Williamson (c), Martin Guptill, Jeetan Patel, Corey Anderson, Tom Latham, Luke Ronchi (wk), Trent Boult, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mitchell Santner, Neil Broom, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Colin de Grandhomme, Jimmy Neesham, Ross Taylor.