ISLAMABAD: New Zealand has unveiled its ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh in April, with several players returning from injury setbacks.
Fast bowlers Will O’Rourke, Matt Fisher, and Blair Tickner have all been recalled after recovering from their respective injuries. Meanwhile, off-spinning all-rounder Dean Foxcroft makes his return to the white-ball setup for the first time since April 2024.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham will captain the side in the absence of regular skipper Mitchell Santner, who is unavailable due to his Indian Premier League commitments with the Mumbai Indians.
O’Rourke, who has recovered from a back injury, has been included in the ODI squad, while Fisher returns from a shin issue to feature in the T20I side. Tickner, previously sidelined with an ankle injury, has been named in both squads.
Importance of squad depth
Head coach Rob Walter welcomed the return of the trio, praising their efforts during rehabilitation and underlining the importance of squad depth in a busy cricket calendar.
“Will, Blair, and Matt have been working very hard over the past few months to get themselves back on the park and back in contention for selection, and we’re pleased to welcome them back into the group,” Walter said.
“With the amount of cricket being played in the modern game, having depth in our bowling stocks is key. Having players of this quality come back is great for our side,” he added.
Foxcroft earned his recall after a strong domestic season, scoring 435 runs in 11 innings in the Ford Trophy.
New Zealand will arrive in Dhaka on April 13, with the ODI series starting on April 17, followed by T20Is from April 27.
