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In a recent development, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have revised their men’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh due to concerns over the fitness of fast bowler Kyle Jamieson.
Kyle Jamieson’s hamstring woes
Jamieson, a key figure in New Zealand’s fast-bowling arsenal, is close to miss out the first ODI against Bangladesh due to a stiff left hamstring. Notably, Jamieson returned to New Zealand after participating in the two-Test series in Bangladesh, displaying commendable performance with two wickets and 52 runs across three innings.
Uncapped pacer added as a precautionary measure
In response to Jamieson’s injury, New Zealand Cricket have called upon uncapped fast bowler Ben Sears as a precautionary measure. Sears, 25, joins the squad to provide cover for Jamieson, ensuring the team’s depth in the fast-bowling department.
Player welfare a top priority
Gary Stead, the head coach of the New Zealand team, emphasized the importance of prioritizing player welfare. Stead said that although Jamieson could potentially play if necessary, the coaching staff opted for a cautious approach by introducing Sears for the first match.
“We’re taking a cautious approach with Kyle. We don’t want to rush or push him back, particularly at the very start of our home summer. He could play if absolutely necessary but we don’t want to take any unnecessary risks, hence calling in Ben for this first match. Ben’s familiar to the team environment and it’s been good to see him back at full fitness for the [Wellington] Firebirds,” said Stead as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
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A familiar face in the squad
Sears, yet to make his ODI debut, is no stranger to the New Zealand team environment. Having played six T20Is and previously featured in the ODI squad for the Chappell-Hadlee Series against Australia last year, Sears brings a level of familiarity to the squad. With 36 wickets in 29 List A matches at an average of 33.77, his inclusion aims to bolster the team’s bowling options.
New Zealand’s revised ODI Squad for Bangladesh series:
Captain: Tom Latham
Players: Adi Ashok (games 2 & 3), Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi (game 1), Will Young, Ben Sears
