New Zealand announce ODI and T20I squad for home series against Netherlands, Tom Latham named captain

New Zealand have announced their squad for the upcoming home series against Netherlands, which comprises three ODIs and a solitary T20I. As many as 12 frontline players including regular skipper Kane Williamson won’t feature in the series amid their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Hence, Tom Latham has been named the captain and the wicketkeeper-batter will have a point to prove.

Meanwhile, the white-ball series gets underway on March 25 while the concluding game will take place on April 4. Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Tim Seifert, James Neesham, Finn Allen, and Glenn Phillips are the 12 players missing the Netherlands series amid IPL 2022, which will be played from March 26 to May 29.

Ross Taylor to play his farewell series

With so many big guns being unavailable, the New Zealand board has handed maiden call-up to the likes of Michael Bracewell and Dane Cleaver, who have been impressive in domestic cricket lately. The side also has some prominent faces in form in Ish Sodhi, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor and Kyle Jamieson.  It must be noted that this series will mark Taylor’s last assignment in international cricket and he would like to end his tenure on a high note.

Meanwhile, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead reckons this series provides players a great opportunity to stake their claim in the national teams with two World Cups taking place in two years time. “Anytime you lose 12 front-liners it’s going to be a challenge, but we’re really excited by the players we’ve been able to call on,” said Stead in an official statement.

“With another T20 World Cup later this year and the ODI World Cup next year it’s a good time to be offering opportunities to a wider group of players,” he added. Meanwhile, this will be Netherlands’ first very tour of New Zealand and Stead believes the Dutch team would be motivated. “The Netherlands will be highly motivated on their first tour of New Zealand and we know they’ll lean on their Kiwi connections in the team for an edge,” he further said.

New Zealand’s ODI Squad Netherlands series: Tom Latham (C) (WK), Doug Bracewell Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

New Zealand’s T20I Squad Netherlands series: Tom Latham (C) (WK), Doug Bracewel, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver (Wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young