Lockie Ferguson named in New Zealand's squad for Chappell-Hadlee Trophy
Lachlan Hammond Ferguson, the 25-year-old fast bowler from Auckland, has been named in New Zealand's 14-man squad for the upcoming three-match Chappell-Hadlee One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, commencing on December 4. Colin de Grandhomme, the Zimbabwe-born all-rounder, and Todd Astle also find a place in the squad.
Ferguson, who is known for bowling with a good burst of pace and bounce, bagged 31 first-class wickets at an average of 22 last season. The fast bowler also was in fine form in the 50-over format, having picked up 16 scalps at an average of 28 in the 2015-16 season.
After a six-wicket haul on his Test debut against Pakistan in Christchurch, de Grandhomme makes it to the ODI squad. De Grandhomme is also a powerful hitter and a useful medium pacer. Astle, the bowling all-rounder, is in line to make his ODI debut.
Colin Munro, the 29-year-old all-rounder, has been recalled to the set-up. The Auckland all-rounder, was laid low by a back problem earlier this year.
However, fast bowlers Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan haven't been considered as both of them are nursing injuries. McClenaghan was ruled out of the India tour with a pelvis injury, while Milne has an elbow injury.
Ross Taylor, the 32-year-old veteran batsman, too, will be missing from action as he is set to undergo a surgery to remove pterygium - a growth that develops on the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eye. On the other hand, Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi have been left out of the set-up.
"Lockie has been impressive on the domestic scene and bowls at a pace which gives our bowling attack a different option," Gavin Larsen, New Zealand's chief selector said on Friday (November 25).
"Todd and Colin de Grandhomme have both been in our thinking for ODIs and their ability with both bat and ball gives the squad an important balance.
"It's good to see Colin Munro return and immediately have an impact for Auckland. He's shown how dynamic a batsman he is, so its great to have him available again, especially in Ross absence," he added.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, BJ Watling.
Lockie Ferguson named in New Zealand's squad for Chappell-Hadlee Trophy - Cricbuzz