AUCKLAND: New Zealand have recalled veteran pacer Jacob Duffy for the five-match ODI series against the West Indies, his return to international cricket after a break following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Duffy has not represented New Zealand since the global tournament, with the right-arm seamer recently taking time off from the game after welcoming her first child.
The 16-man squad, led by experienced all-rounder Mitchell Santner, begins the five-match ODI series in the Caribbean on July 11.
Fast bowler Matthew Fisher has also been included in the squad and will make his ODI debut during the tour. Meanwhile, pacers Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke have been retired as part of workload management.
Blair Tickner is ruled out after ankle surgery, while Devon Conway is unavailable for family reasons. All-rounder Rachin Ravindra has also been given leave to play in Major League Cricket.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the series provides an important opportunity to prepare for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“It’s great to have Jacob and Matt joining the team and I know they’ll bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” Walter said.
He has shown confidence in both players, with Fisher earning his first ODI call-up in domestic cricket through consistent performances and his ability to adapt to different phases of an innings, while Duffy’s experience and reliability will provide valuable depth and leadership to the pace attack.
“This is a good opportunity to introduce Matt to the ODI squad for the first time. He bowls with good pace and is working hard on his variations to ensure he bowls at different stages of the innings,” he said.
“Jacob has stood out for us in all formats over the past two years. His skill and experience will be a great addition to our squad and I know he is looking forward to representing New Zealand again,” he added.
New Zealand ODI Team: Mitchell Santner (catch), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Christian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Benth Sears, Nathan Smee.
ODI Series Schedule