The New Zealand XI squad to play England in a four-day warm-up match next week features many BLACKCAPS stars of the future.
With the exception of a couple of experienced players, the squad reflects the next generation of BLACKCAPS says General Manager National Selection Kim Littlejohn.
“This game gives us a great opportunity to see how these youngsters cope with playing a Test side ranked at two in the world.”
Northern Knights leg spinner Ish Sodhi is one of those stars of the future. The 20-year-old was one of the top bowlers at last year’s under-19 World Cup and he has been in great form during this season’s Plunket Shield four-day competition.
“This game will give Ish an opportunity to gain some valuable experience and see what's needed for his game to go to the next level,” says Littlejohn.
He says many of this exciting group of players have been in fine form in the domestic competition in particular Carl Cachopa for the Central Stags. The South African-born batsman has been averaging in the 50s in Plunket Shield matches this season.
The New Zealand XI includes eight players who have played for the BLACKCAPS - Tom Latham, Hamish Rutherford, Dean Brownlie, Neil Wagner, James Neesham, Neil Broom, Corey Anderson and Mark Gillespie.
The side will be captained by wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi who has shown consistent form in both HRV Cup Twenty20 matches and the Plunket Shield this season.
The four-day warm-up match starts on Wednesday 27 February at the Queenstown Events Centre.
New Zealand XI squad:
Luke Ronchi (c) – Wellington Firebirds
Corey Anderson – Northern Knights
Neil Broom – Otago Volts
Dean Brownlie – Canterbury Wizards
Carl Cachopa – Central Stags
Mark Gillespie – Wellington Firebirds
Tom Latham – Canterbury Wizards
James Neesham – Otago Volts
Hamish Rutherford – Otago Volts
Jeetan Patel – Wellington Firebirds
Neil Wagner – Otago Volts
One more player may be added to the team closer to the match in Queenstown.
The ANZ International Series against England continues tomorrow with the second One Day International at Napier’s McLean Park starting at 2pm. For the full ANZ International Series schedule go to http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/schedule/the-anz-series-v-england/130/series.aspx
