New Zealand announce close to full strength squad for West Indies ODI series

New Zealand have announced their 16-member squad, which will travel to the Caribbean for a five-match One Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies. The series begins on July 12 in Providence, Guyana.

A squad resembling something close to a full-strength side, the Black Caps will be led by all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who was recently part of the Test side which secured a 2-1 series win over England. Other members from the red-ball squad included in the 50-over side are Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, and Will Young.

Other first-choice players who have made a comeback to the team include Jacob Duffy, who missed out on the England series while on paternal leave, Michael Bracewell and Mark Chapman.

As far as newcomers are concerned, Matthew Fisher has been named in the side and could be in line to make his ODI debut for New Zealand. The 26-year-old fast bowler has made one appearance each in Test and T20I cricket but has not featured in the 50-over format.

Despite the return of some senior personnel in the side, the Kiwis will be without a few experienced players, particularly in their bowling department. The fast-bowling trio of Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke have been rested to manage their workloads following a gruelling Test series against the Three Lions.

On the batting front, New Zealand will miss opening batters Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. The former saw the birth of his second child, for which he flew back home from England between the first and second Test. He will take a break and fly back home to spend time with his family. Ravindra, on the other hand, misses the West Indies tour due to his Major League Cricket (MLC) commitments, something pre-agreed in his national contract.

Mitchell Hay, who has played 10 ODIs, has been named as a backup wicketkeeper behind Test captain Tom Latham.

New Zealand come into the series on the back of defeat against Bangladesh in their previous ODI outing.

Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay (WK), Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (WK), Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.