Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner have earned their maiden Test call-ups, while Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Rutherford have been recalled as part of an extended BLACKCAPS squad for the first ANZ Test against South Africa, starting February 17 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.
The larger than normal 15-strong squad will allow the selectors to better cover their options while mitigating the health-risk associated with bringing players into the team environment at short notice, should there be any injuries.
That’s presented opportunities for in-form Canterbury wicket-keeper Fletcher, who will be the back-up gloveman to incumbent Tom Blundell, while Central Stags paceman Tickner will provide cover for the quick bowlers.
Tickner has appeared for the BLACKCAPS in eight T20 internationals since debuting in 2019, while it’s Fletcher’s first call-up to the national side after impressing for his province and for New Zealand A in recent seasons.
Seven years on from his last appearance for the BLACKCAPS, Otago Volts batsman Hamish Rutherford has earned a recall, as has all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme, who missed much of last season with a foot injury.
Against a backdrop of Kane Williamson’s injured elbow (which hasn’t mended in time) and the retirement of Ross Taylor, Rutherford has been included as batting cover in the extended squad, which will again be captained by Tom Latham.
Trent Boult will miss the first Test as he awaits the birth of his third child, while Ajaz Patel is a chance to be added for the second Test should conditions suit and provided he overcomes his left-calf injury.
Coach Gary Stead acknowledged this was yet another challenging squad to select.
“Injuries and COVID have forced us to be flexible and I’m really excited with the squad picked,” he said.
“I’d like to congratulate Cam and Blair on making the squad and also acknowledge Hamish and Colin for fighting their way back into the Test set-up.
“Cam has been excellent across the three formats for Canterbury over the past couple of seasons, producing consistent and often match-winning performances for his team.
“This will be a great opportunity for him to come into the BLACKCAPS environment and soak up the experience as much as he can.”
Stead said faced with the option of selecting another pace bowler or a specialist spinner in the extended squad, he’d gone with the former for the first Test, based on the conditions expected at Hagley.
“Blair’s been a consistent performer in the Plunket Shield over the past few seasons and we felt his pace, bounce and aggression covered our bases should we lose a pace bowler to injury.
“It’s pleasing to see Colin back in the Test side, having proved such an influential member before his foot injury last season.
“His form of late shows he’s clearly benefited from simply getting back on the park consistently, and it’s great to have his all-round skills and experience to call on.
“It’s a really exciting time for Hamish to be back in the BLACKCAPS after a long time away, and I know he’s absolutely buzzing at the opportunity ahead.
Stead said that, unfortunately, the series had arrived too soon for Williamson, in terms of his elbow injury rehabilitation.
“He was desperate to be fit for the series but with the amount of loading required for Test cricket, we had to make the tough call for him to sit it out and focus on returning for the white ball matches against Netherlands in March.
“Kane loves playing for the BLACKCAPS and especially in Test cricket so it was a particularly hard call. However the priority has to be trying to get the injury right and having him available long term.
“It’s important to remember this squad is just for the first Test so we do have flexibility to make changes as required, with the likes of Trent and Ajaz potentially available for the second.
“We’re conscious the second Test pitch may differ from the first so we’re keen to have the option of adding Ajaz if required. He’s targeting a return for the Stags in the Ford Trophy on February 20 to prove his fitness and availability.”
BLACKCAPS Test Squad – First ANZ Test
Tom Latham (c)
Tom Blundell (wk)
Devon Conway
Colin de Grandhomme
Cam Fletcher* (wk)
Matt Henry
Kyle Jamieson
Daryl Mitchell
Henry Nicholls
Rachin Ravindra
Hamish Rutherford
Tim Southee
Blair Tickner*
Neil Wagner
Will Young
*maiden Test call up
Rutherford, the 32-year-old Otago captain played 16 Tests at the top of the BLACKCAPS order from 2013 to 2015 and has over 7000 First Class runs including 17 First Class hundreds to his name.
Tickner has impressed with his consistency with the red ball having been one of the top five wicket takers in the Plunket Shield for the past two years, and currently sits fourth this season with 14 wickets from four matches.
Fletcher’s glove-work is highly regarded and he is having a breakout summer with Canterbury, especially with the bat where the 28-year-old has accumulated 344 Plunket Shield runs at an average of 86, following his 473 runs at 78 in the competition last season.
NZC is currently working through the COVID-19 Health framework for hosting some fans at the matches at Hagley Oval with details to be shared in advance of the first Test on February 17.
The second match of the ANZ Test series is scheduled to begin on February 25 at Hagley Oval.
South Africa Squad.
