Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Ish Sodhi, a leg-spinner, is a part of New Zealand’s 15-person squad for their upcoming two-match Test series in Pakistan.
The 30-year-old has been selected for the series, which is set to begin in Karachi on December 26 and end in Multan on January 3, along with Glenn Phillips and uncapped Blair Tickner. In response to the trio’s selection, New Zealand Coach Gary Stead said, “I know all three of the guys have a real passion for the longest form of the game and are looking forward to getting into their red-ball work at the pre-tour camp in Lincoln this week.”
Ish Sodhi in Test series
Regarding Sodhi’s inclusion, the Blackcaps coach explained that they did so after considering the playing environment and style of the Pakistan vs. England Test Series.
Tim Southee will lead the team for the first time as the Test captain after Kane Williamson declared retirement from the game’s longest format. Trent Boult, meanwhile, was dropped from the team after he declared his inaccessibility for the tour. Kyle Jamieson was also left off the roster because he is still recovering from a back injury.
For the first time since 2003, the New Zealand team will play a Test match in Pakistan, according to their coach. On December 19, the team for the one-day series will be announced.
Blackcaps Test squad for Pakistan
Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Tim Southee (c), Michael Bracewell
Series to start a day earlier than scheduled
The amended schedule for the Green Shirts’ upcoming Test and one-day international (ODI) series against New Zealand was released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier this week.
The test series will start on December 26 in Karachi, according to a statement from the cricket board, which didn’t explain why the tour had been moved up by a day. According to a press release from the Pakistan Cricket Board, “The Pakistan Cricket Board and New Zealand Cricket have amicably agreed to bring ahead the visit of the New Zealand men’s side to Pakistan by a day.”
The two-match test series’ first Test will now begin on December 26 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi, and the second will begin on January 3 in Multan. The three one-day internationals will be held in Karachi on January 10, 12, and 14.
Schedule
First Test: December 26–30 at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena
January 3–7, Multan Cricket Stadium, second test
First ODI: January 10 at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena
Second One-Day International: January 12 at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi
Third ODI: January 14 at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena
