Follow UsNew Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has been named in the T20 International (T20I) squads for the tour of UAE and England, over a year after breaking down with a stress fracture in his back. After recovering, Jamieson could not take part in the home Test series against England earlier this year as his back required surgery. He is set to return to competitive cricket after over four months out of action.
“Kyle’s worked really hard and made great progress to be available for this tour and we’re delighted to see him return after such a challenging year. We’re all aware of his world-class skills and I know he’s really excited to get back with the group," Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead said.
Dean Foxcroft and Adithya Ashok have earned their maiden call-ups three T20Is against UAE scheduled to be played between August 17 and 20 in Dubai. Born in South Africa, Foxcroft moved to New Zealand in 2016 and recently qualified to play for New Zealand.
The 25-year-old was crowned NZC’s Domestic Player of the Year at the annual awards in March finishing as the leading run-getter in the Super Smash where he finished as the leading runs-scorer with 424 runs at a strike-rate of 131.26. He also claimed nine wickets with the ball at an impressive economy rate of less than seven.
Ashok, a former U-19 player, produced some crucial spells, finishing with seven wickets in the Super Smash last season. “It’s always exciting to introduce new players to the Blackcaps environment and especially so when they’re on the younger side, as Adi and Dean are,” Stead said.
“Dean’s been a really consistent performer domestically and that was acknowledged by the awards he picked up in March. He’s a talented and adaptable batter who also bowls useful off-spin - so will add to our spinning stocks which is always valued in white-ball cricket.
“Adi’s only in his second year of professional cricket, but we’ve been impressed with his consistency and attitude with the Aces and when he’s joined New Zealand A and the winter camps. With Ish Sodhi not on the UAE tour it’s an opportunity to develop our next leg-spinner.
In the absence of Kane Williamson, Tim Southee will lead the side. The touring party will expand to 22 for the T20Is against England, starting August 30 in Durham. Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell and Ish Sodhi will join post-The Hundred.
Ashok, Chad Bowes, Dane Cleaver, Foxcroft, Cole McConchie, Henry Shipley and Will Young will make way for them. Moreover, Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner have signed short-term deals to play in The Hundred. They will be part of the tournament after the UAE series, but will be back with the Blackcaps for the matches against England.
Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman will be part of both tours.
New Zealand squad for UAE & England T20Is:Tim Southee (c), Finn Allen (Eng), Adithya Ashok (UAE), Chad Bowes (UAE), Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver (UAE), Devon Conway (Eng), Lockie Ferguson, Dean Foxcroft (UAE), Matt Henry (Eng), Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie (UAE), Adam Milne (Eng), Daryl Mitchell (Eng), Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips (Eng), Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Henry Shipley (UAE), Ish Sodhi (Eng), Will Young (UAE)