Vettori back for World T20, Milne included too
Daniel Vettori has been included in the squad for the two T20 internationals in India and the World T20, having not played a T20 international in more than two years. Vettori, who is New Zealand's lead spinner, had earlier been ruled out of the upcoming Test series in India after failing to recover from a groin strain he suffered during the West Indies tour.
Daniel Vettori has been included in the squad for the two T20 internationals in India and the World T20, having not played a T20 international in more than two years. Vettori, who is New Zealand's lead spinner, had earlier been ruled out of the upcoming Test series in India after failing to recover from a groin strain he suffered during the West Indies tour.
"We are thrilled to have Daniel Vettori back in the fold. He brings a huge amount of experience and knowledge of conditions in the sub-continent." said Kim Littlejohn, New Zealand's National Selection Manager.
Adam Milne, the fast bowler, was the surprise selection in the 15-man squad. Milne, 20, has played two T20Is for New Zealand against Pakistan in December 2010 but struggled to make an impact, picking up just one wicket at the cost of 94 runs. His ability to bowl with raw pace earned him another opportunity "Adam Milne has impressed during his time with the winter development squad and his extra pace offers something a little different," said Littlejohn. " We are confident he will have an impact in international cricket and will seize this opportunity."
The selectors left out Andrew Ellis, Tom Latham and Dean Brownlie after they were involved in the T20s in the recently concluded series against the West Indies. James Franklin, who was recalled to the Test squad for the India series, also found a place in the T20 squad. Franklin has been playing T20 cricket for Essex in the county competition.
"The squad has a good balance for Twenty20 cricket with explosive batmen and a good mix of pace and spin bowlers," said Littlejohn. "If they play to their ability they will be a very exciting and extremely competitive team in India and at the ICC World Twenty20."
The Twenty20 series against India begins with the first match in Vishakhapatnam on September 8 and the second fixture is in Chennai on September 11.
In the ICC World T20 tournament New Zealand are placed in Group D alongside Pakistan and Bangladesh, with their first pool match against Pakistan on September 21 before they meet Bangladesh on September 23.
New Zealand squad:
Martin Guptill, Rob Nicol, Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor (capt), Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, James Franklin, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Ronnie Hira, Adam Milne.