Wellington: Injuries to frontline fast bowlers have forced New Zealand to opt for fresh blood in their pace attack, including the country’s tallest cricketer Kyle Jamieson, for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India.
The 6’8″ tall uncapped Jamieson could be in for a potential debut in the series starting February 5 in Hamilton, while Scott Kuggeleijn and Hamish Bennett return to the squad after a long absence. Injury has meant the likes of Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry are unavailable for the series.
Nicknamed Killa, the towering Jamieson has been using his height to good effect in the domestic circuit, bouncing out batsmen. Born in Auckland and brought up in Canterbury, the 25-year-od has of late sparkled for New Zealand A, including against the touring India A side recently. He is taller than New Zealand’s batting coach Peter Fulton, nicknamed ‘Two-metre Peter’. The Black Caps will rely on Tim Southee’s experience, while Colin de Grandhomme returns to the squad after being left out for the last two T20Is. Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner will be the all-round options. Meanwhile, spinner Ish Sodhi has been included in the squad for only the first ODI in Hamilton. (PTI)
