New Zealand vs India 2019: NZ announced squad for first three ODIs

What's the story?

The Blackcaps have announced their squad for the first three games of the five-match ODI series against the Men in Blue which is set to begin on January 23rd (Wednesday).

The background

A strong Kiwi squad, led by Kane Williamson will take on Virat Kohli's Team India in a five-match ODI series that kicks off at Napier. The squad announced for the first three encounters comprises all-rounder, Mitchell Santner, who is set to play his first 50-over game in almost ten months.

Wicket-keeper batsman Tom Latham and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme have made the cut while Doug Bracewell, who did not make the XI in any of the ODIs against Sri Lanka recently has also been retained. Bracewell though, impressed in the one-off T20I against Sri Lanka scoring 44 off 26 balls apart from picking up the wicket of Niroshan Dikwella.

In-form, James Neesham and leggie Todd Astle who are recovering from the injuries have not been considered. Nevertheless, the duo can make the cut for the final two one-dayers.

The heart of the matter

The Kiwi coach Gary Stead told Cricinfo, "Our two main priorities have been to select and prepare a squad capable of winning what is shaping as a massive series against India, and gathering as much information as possible ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales".

The squad looks strong in all departments with several players in a red-hot form during the series against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand squad for the first three ODIs: Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

What's next?

With New Zealand announcing their strongest possible line-up, the ODI series promises to be an exciting contest. But we will have to wait and watch as to who will emerge victorious on February 2nd - Kane Williamson or Virat Kohli.