Trent Boult was hit on the arm by a bouncer from Mitchell Starc in Melbourne and he was forced to miss five T20Is and three ODIs vs India. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
New Delhi:
Trent Boult had missed the five Twenty20 Internationals and three ODIs against India due to a broken hand which he sustained after being hit by a Mitchell Starc bouncer during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. After being sidelined for close to two months, Boult is now back in the New Zealand team for the two Tests against India starting on February 21 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Apart from Boult, six foot eight inches tall Kyle Jamieson, who impressed in the ODI series and won the Man of the Match award in Auckland for his all-round show, has also been included in the side along with left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel.
The New Zealand cricket team sees some changes from the team that were whitewashed 3-0 by Australia in the series Down Under in December. Speaking on the selections, New Zealand head coach and chief selector Gary Stead remarked, "It's terrific to have Trent back with us and we're looking forward to the energy and experience he adds to the group alongside his obvious class with the ball in hand. Kyle will offer us a point of difference with the bounce he could extract on what is traditionally a good surface in Wellington," Stead said.
Kyle Jamieson won the Man of the Match award on his debut in Auckland vs India. (Image credit: Getty Images)
Mumbai-born Ajaz Patel was chosen over leg-spinner Ish Sodhi because of his consistency. "We're excited to welcome back Ajaz (Patel) who has done a great job for us overseas and has a proven domestic record in New Zealand conditions," the coach said. Daryl Mitchell of Northern Districts is also in the squad as a batting all-rounder. "Daryl showed his batting prowess in his Test debut against England in Hamilton and he naturally offers us great versatility with the different roles he can play," Stead said. Tom Blundell will continue to open the batting along side Tom Latham following his breakthrough century in Melbourne.
The Wellington Test will also be Ross Taylor's 100th Test, joining ranks with his former teammates Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Stephen Fleming. Taylor will become the first cricketer in the world to complete 100 games across three international formats. "To play 100 Tests for your country is an incredible achievement and a testament to his work ethic and complete professionalism," Stead said of Taylor. The coach, however, acknowledged that they had to make some tough decisions while selecting the squad.
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"With a squad of 13 we've put a priority on balance and making sure we have the needed variety and different options depending on the pitch conditions at the Basin Reserve," Stead said.
New Zealand Squad For Tests
Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell
