Lockie Ferguson to captain second-string New Zealand in Bangladesh ODIs

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson is set to lead a second-string side in the forthcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. Notably, New Zealand will square off against the Bangla Tigers in an ODI series, which is slated to begin on September 21, following the conclusion of the ongoing multi-format series against England.

The selection committee decided to rest a group of senior players in order for them to rejuvenate for the eagerly-anticipated 2023 ODI World Cup which will begin on October 5, in India. Tom Latham, who currently leads the ODI side in place of injured Kane Williamson, will also warm the bench for the three-match series.

In addition to Latham, the likes of Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee too are set to miss the forthcoming series. Furthermore, Mark Chapman and James Neesham were not considered for selection keeping in mind that they would be present for the birth of their respective children.

Head coach Gary Stead too will be given rest as batting coach Luke Ronchi will take charge of the three games in Dhaka. Recently debuting in the T20I match against UAE, Dean Foxcroft, has been included in the squad along with Cole McConchie, Dane Cleaver, and Rachin Ravindra.

Speaking about their ongoing series against England, the Kiwis have produced back-to-back dismal outings which has led to the Three Lions taking a 2-0 lead in the four-match series. Following the conclusion of the England and Bangladesh series, the Kiwis will head to India for their first warm-up match against Pakistan of the ODI World Cup at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on September 29.

The 2019 World Cup runners up will square off against defending champions England in the curtain raiser of the big-ticket event on October 5, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

New Zealand ODI squad vs Bangladesh: Lockie Ferguson (c), Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult. Chad Bowes, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young