Sport

Latham to captain Black Caps in Ireland

10:55 am on 6 April 2017

Tom Latham will replace the unavailable Kane Williamson as captain for the New Zealand cricket team for the tri-series in Ireland, ahead of the Champions Trophy.

The Black Caps will play Ireland and Bangladesh in May as they buildup to the tournament.

New Zealand's first match of the Champions Trophy is against Australia in Birmingham on June 2nd.

Ten leading New Zealand players were unavailable for the Irish tri-series, due to Indian Premier League commitments.

Tom Latham. Photo: Photosport

Players involved in the IPL will join up with the Ireland squad on a case-by-case basis once their IPL involvement ends.

The Black Caps selector Gavin Larsen said Latham would be well supported in his first experience as the side's skipper.

"Tom has been a leader within the side for a while now and this is a chance to continue his development in that area.

"At 25 years old Tom is still a youthful captain, but he's performed the role well for Canterbury and New Zealand Under-19 in the past.

"With the likes of Ross (Taylor) and Luke (Ronchi) in the squad, there also are some experienced players to help support him.

"Neil (Wagner) is an example of someone whose bowling has gone from strength to strength. He's performed well in the Ford Trophy when he's had the chance and also brings considerable international experience to the side.

Neil Wagner will finally get his chance to make his ODI debut for the Black Caps. Photo: Photosport

Three potential debutants and four recalled players are the other features of the squad.

The Central Districts fast bowler Seth Rance and Northern Districts allrounder Scott Kuggeleijn will make their one day international debuts along with test player of the year Neil Wagner.

Wellington's Hamish Bennett and Central Districts' George Worker return to the international scene after extended periods out of the ODI squad, while Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls are also back.

"Scott and Seth have worked their way into the side following superb domestic form over an extended period of time, which is equally true for George and Hamish who have earned recalls," Larsen said.

The New Zealand squad for the Champions Trophy will be named later in April.

Black Caps side to tour Ireland

Tom Latham (c), Hamish Bennett, Neil Broom, Scott Kuggeleijn, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel (who will join the side for the fourth ODI from Warwickshire), Seth Rance, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, George Worker

Not considered due to injury

Ben Wheeler, Doug Bracewell, Ed Nuttall

Not considered due to IPL involvement

Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Lockie Ferguson, Corey Anderson, Matt Henry, Colin de Grandhomme