New Zealand have named a strong squad to face Ireland, Afghanistan and the UAE in Dubai. The tour forms an important part of World Cup preparations for both Ireland and New Zealand, with players from both sides pushing for a place in their World Cup squad.
Ireland will not be looking forward to facing Jesse Ryder again, who has been recalled to the New Zealand set-up after a brilliant 136 for Otago against an Ireland XI in a recent tour match. Ryder is joined in the squad by Otago Volts team-mate and wicket keeper Derek de Boorder, who also played in that tour match.
De Boorder is the only player in the experienced squad yet to play an ODI, but Martin Guptill, Kyle Mills and Daniel Vettori more than make up for that, having over 500 ODI’s between them. The 13-man squad is also likely to grow, with senior players not involved in Test match duty against Pakistan also in the line to play.
New Zealand are making sure everyone is aware how important the tour is for them, with Bruce Edgar, General Manager National Selection, reminding everyone that the World Cup is just around the corner.
“The squad for CWC 2015 is named on 8th January, so we want to ensure every player in contention is given a chance on the international stage.”
Ireland are yet to name their squad for the tour to UAE, which includes the matches against New Zealand XI in Dubai. Keep your eyes on cricketireland.ie for our own squad announcement.
New Zealand XI squad for UAE;
Kyle Mills (Captain)
Dean Bownlie
Derek de Boorder
Colin de Grandhomme
Anton Devcich
Martin Guptill
Matt Henry
Mitchell McClenaghan
Nathan McCullum
Adam Milne
Colin Munro
Jesse Ryder
Daniel Vettori
Yes
Connaught
