Lockie Ferguson to skipper second-string side in Bangladesh ODIs

Whilst other teams are preparing for the upcoming ODI World Cup with their full strength, New Zealand have opted for a different route, resting many of their star players for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. In the absence of several big names, speedster Lockie Ferguson has been named as the captain of the setup. 

New Zealand have rested Tom Latham, wicketkeeper-batters Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips, allrounders Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner, pacers Matt Henry and Tim Southee, with Kane Williamson still working hard on regaining complete fitness ahead of the showpiece event. 

All-rounders Mark Chapman and James Neesham weren’t considered for selection, with them going home ahead of their respective children’s birth. Dean Foxcroft, who debuted against the United Arab Emirates, is set to feature heavily in the ODIs, given the conditions in Bangladesh. 

Even New Zealand’s regular head coach, Gary Stead, has been rested of the series, with Luke Ronchi taking charge of the three clashes beginning on September 21. 

Squad: Lockie Ferguson (C), Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult. Chad Bowes, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young