New Zealand Cricket has announced that Nick Kelly and Joe Carter will captain New Zealand A during their upcoming tour of Bangladesh. The tour will feature three one-day matches and two four-day games, offering players valuable exposure to subcontinent conditions.
Kelly will lead the team in the white-ball (one-day) matches scheduled for May 5, 7, and 10 in Sylhet. Joe Carter will take over as captain for the four-day games, set for May 14–17 in Sylhet and May 21–24 in Dhaka.
Rising Talents Highlight the Squad
The squad includes Rhys Mariu and Muhammad Abbas, who recently debuted against Pakistan. Abbas grabbed attention with a record-breaking fastest ODI fifty on debut, reaching the mark in just 24 balls.
Kelly and Mariu also stood out as the top run-scorers in the recent Plunket Shield season, strengthening their cases for national selection.
Joe Carter, aged 32, brings significant experience, having averaged 60.40 on New Zealand A’s last tour to India, with two centuries, including a career-best 197.
Other key players include:
- Mitch Hay, who scored an unbeaten 99 against Pakistan.
- Josh Clarkson, an allrounder adding depth.
- Zak Foulkes and Ben Lister, offering pace and international experience.
- Adi Ashok, the promising legspinner returning to the squad.
Key Learning Opportunity in Subcontinent Conditions
Coach Bob Carter highlighted the importance of the tour:
“For several players, it will be their first experience in subcontinent conditions, offering a great challenge and an opportunity to expand their skills,” he said.
This tour is expected to prepare young players for the unique challenges of Asian pitches, such as spin, slow bounce, and humid conditions, crucial for their future international careers.
New Zealand A Squad for Bangladesh Tour:
- Muhammad Abbas
- Adi Ashok
- Matt Boyle
- Joe Carter (red-ball captain)
- Kristian Clarke
- Josh Clarkson
- Zak Foulkes
- Dean Foxcroft
- Mitch Hay
- Curtis Heaphy
- Nick Kelly (white-ball captain)
- Jayden Lennox
- Ben Lister
- Rhys Mariu
- Dale Phillips
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