Mitchell McClenaghan is pumped about being back with the BLACKCAPS’ ODI squad. The 28-year-old travelled from a brief stopover at home in Auckland to England in the past week to join up with the BLACKCAPS, after having won the Indian Premier League in his first season with the Mumbai Indians.
He is hoping that experience — where he was a genuine wicket-taking option in the attack-at-all-costs competition — will hold him in good stead for the imminent five-match ODI series against England, beginning early on Wednesday morning NZT.
"India was a great experience and couldn’t have gone any better, to be honest,” said McClenaghan, who will also play for Middlesex following the current tour, and has 35 ODIs and 16 T20is for the BLACKCAPS under his belt.
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“Winning the title in my first year playing the IPL was awesome. I learnt a huge amount, and loved my time in India. But it’s also great to be back with the boys. I’m looking forward to the challenge over here, it’s a massive series.”
McClenaghan was a standout performer for Mumbai, having claimed three wickets in the final as they defeated the Chennai Super Kings.
The big left-armer, who got only one start in the ICC Cricket World Cup (against Bangladesh), said he is looking forward to getting back into the coloured clothing for his country and was eager for a hit-out in last night's warmup game against Leicester, in which he was the leading wicket-taker with an aggressive four-for.
“It was nice just to get out there and get some miles into the legs before the series. I am looking at this tour and looking to make the most of any opportunity I get.”
McClenaghan’s also looking forward to complementing the BLACKCAPS’ opening bowlers, Trent Boult and Tim Southee, as he competes with Matt Henry and Ben Wheeler for the third seamer role.
“I’m keen to do whatever I can for the team, whatever role Baz and Hess want out of me. Then I will look to do that role the best I can. We have good depth in our bowling squad, and I’m sure whoever is picked will do a job for the team.”
The BLACKCAPS’ first ODI in the five-match series against England begins at Edgbaston on Wednesday at 1am NZT (2pm Tuesday UK time)
BLACKCAPS ODI squad vs England
Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ben Wheeler, Kane Williamson
