Ben Sears and Matt Henry in New Zealand squad for Chappell-Hadlee ODIs
New Zealand have packed their squad with plenty of pace as they attempt to wrest the Chappell-Hadlee trophy out of Australia's hands next month. In addition to the more established Lockie Ferguson, they have also brought in the 23-year old Ben Sears, who may well make his ODI debut in the three-match series starting on September 6.
Trent Boult has kept his place in the squad, the first time the New Zealand selectors have had to make a decision on whether to include him since he withdrew from his central contract earlier this month. NZC said that his future selection would be made on a case-by-case basis, with preference given to contracted players, although he will be part of the T20 World Cup in October.
The conditions on offer across the Tasman have prompted New Zealand to further bolster their pace reserves with Matt Henry, who missed their most recent assignment in the West Indies with a rib injury. Sears had been his replacement in the squad and he now keeps his place, building on a career that began in 2018 with Wellington. He made his New Zealand debut in September 2021 and has plenty of admirers within the national set-up, including one of the OG Kiwi speedsters Shane Bond.
"The inclusion of Ben Sears is a nod to the future, and we also think his pace and bounce could be a good option in Australian conditions," head coach Gary Stead said. "It's great to welcome back Matt as well. He's been one of our front line one-day bowlers for the past few years and his ICC ODI bowling ranking of six is testament to that."
Kane Williamson captains the squad of 15 as he too makes a comeback after missing the last two matches on a successful tour of the Caribbean. He has only played three ODIs since the end of the 2019 World Cup due to a combination of injury and rotation, but, two weeks out from rekindling their biggest rivalry, he seemed upbeat and ready for action.
"It's always a huge occasion for the fans, and the team really look forward to it," Williamson said. "You grow up watching the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series and remembering the great battles, so to be part of another chapter is pretty special. We know how tough Australia are to beat in their own conditions and we're looking forward to the challenge."
Kyle Jamieson (back) and Adam Milne (achilles) weren't considered due to injury. Ish Sodhi, Henry Nicholls and Will Young were left out. Glenn Phillips, who has made three fifty-plus scores in 12 innings, across formats keeps his place. With a 360-degree game and a batting style very similar to Steven Smith, he has become something of an enforcer in New Zealand's middle order.
"The fact we're having to leave out players of the calibre of Ish, Henry, and Will shows the increased depth we currently have at our disposal," Stead said. "Glenn's a versatile player who can cover most places in the batting order for us - as well as providing a bowling option if needed."
Australia have a 6-4 win-loss record in 12 Chappell-Hadlee series so far and hold a considerable edge over New Zealand when playing at home. In fact, the Black Caps have go back seven completed matches, and 13 full years, to mark their last ODI victory over Australia in Australia.
New Zealand ODI squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Tim Southee