The BLACKCAPS will welcome back Matt Henry for the upcoming three-match Chemist Warehouse ODI series against West Indies, starting at Hagley Oval on November 16.
Henry, who missed the final two ODIs against England with a calf-strain, is currently undergoing a pre-planned conditioning and rehab block to prepare for the ODI series and the following three-Test series.
Henry is joined in the squad by Central Stags paceman Blair Tickner who retains his place off the back of successive Player of the Match performances in the second and third ODIs against England in Hamilton and Wellington.
Tickner, who was called up to the BLACKCAPS squad for the first time since 2023, claimed figures of 4-34 and 4-64 and helped steer the team home with the bat in the third ODI in Wellington, as the team sealed just its second ever ODI series win over England.
Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson and Nathan Smith complete a six-strong pace bowling group, with captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra providing the spin options.
BLACKCAPS squad | Chemist Warehouse ODI Series v West Indies
Mitchell Santner (c) (Northern Districts)
Michael Bracewell (Wellington Firebirds)
Mark Chapman (Auckland Aces)
Devon Conway (Wellington Firebirds)
Jacob Duffy (Otago Volts)
Zak Foulkes (Canterbury)
Matt Henry (Canterbury)
Kyle Jamieson (Canterbury)
Tom Latham (wk) (Canterbury)
Daryl Mitchell (Canterbury)
Rachin Ravindra (Wellington Firebirds)
Nathan Smith (Wellington Firebirds)
Blair Tickner (Central Stags)
Will Young (Central Stags)
Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring), all remain unavailable due to injury.Kane Williamson was not considered for selection for the ODI series, as he focuses on preparing for the Test series starting at Hagley Oval on December 2.
BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter welcomed the return of Henry.
“Matt is a vital member of this group and the senior leader of our pace attack, so it’ll be great to have him back around the group for the ODIs and Tests,” said Walter.
“He will be fresh and fit after a good rest, and we know he’ll be raring to go ahead of a big five weeks with the white and red ball.
Walter said Tickner thoroughly deserved another call-up off after impressing in Hamilton and Wellington.
“We couldn’t have asked for more from Ticks against England,” he said.
“He brought plenty of energy and his pace and bounce proved to be a big test for some of the best batters in the world.
“It was pleasing to see him come in at short notice and perform at that level and that’s a testament to the hard work he’s been putting in away from the group.
“It’s awesome to be able to keep rewarding guys who work hard and perform when they get the opportunity, and we know he’ll be a big asset for us in another important series.
Walter said the West Indies would be a good challenge for the ODI side.
“The West Indies are always dangerous and have a host of players who can change a game in any format.
“It’s another important series for us as we continue to grow and improve in the format, so we’re looking forward to what’s to come.”
The BLACKCAPS ODI squad assembles in Christchurch on November 14, ahead of the series opener at Hagley Oval on November 16.
The team will be looking to extend their run of 10 straight home ODI series wins, following last month’s 3-0 clean-sweep of England.
The Chemist Warehouse ODI series will be broadcast live in New Zealand on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE, with Sport Nation and the Alternative Commentary Collective providing audio commentary.
BLACKCAPS v West Indies – Chemist Warehouse ODI Series
1st ODI – Sunday 16 November, 2:00pm – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
2nd ODI – Wednesday 19 November, 2:00pm – McLean Park, Napier
3rd ODI – Saturday 22 November, 2:00pm – Seddon Park, Hamilton
