Black Caps recall Broom

Cricket365
December 16, 2016

Otago Volts batsman Neil Broom has been named in the Black Caps 13-player ODI squad for the ODI series against Bangladesh that gets underway later this month.

Having last played an ODI in 2010, Broom will have the opportunity to add to his 22 matches to date when the series begins on Boxing Day in Christchurch.

Luke Ronchi also returns to the squad, with BJ Watling, Henry Nicholls and Todd Astle the omissions from the recent Chappell-Hadlee tour to Australia.

Having played for Derbyshire last season, Broom has opted to forgo the second year of his County contract to allow him the opportunity to play for the Black Caps again.

Broom said: “I appreciate everything Derbyshire have done for me and have really enjoyed my time with the club.

“At the end of the day I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to represent New Zealand and am excited about the opportunity to play international cricket again. It’s the ultimate.”

Black Caps Selector Gavin Larsen said both Broom and Ronchi brought a lot to the squad.

Larsen commented: “With 12 years of domestic cricket under his belt and having previously spent time in the Black Caps squad, Neil brings a lot of experience to the group.

“Neil was the top run-scorer in the Ford Trophy competition last year, with an average of 84.66. He has an impressive strike-rate and obviously fills the number four role with Ross out injured.

“It’s been pleasing to see Luke scoring runs for Wellington again and he returns as one one of the most experienced members of the squad. At this stage we see him as the best ODI gloveman in the country and the leadership he brings to the group is also immensely valuable.”

Larsen conceded the team was in a rebuilding stage following the retirements of a number of top players.

Larsen added: “There’s six players in this side from the squad of 15 who featured for us in the world cup last year, so it’s important we give the new players the opportunity to feel comfortable on the international stage.

“That takes time. You can’t replace 900 ODI caps and the leadership that comes with that experience overnight, but it’s an exciting new group and we’re learning a lot with each match that is played.

“Although the side is rebuilding it’s very important that we do see improvements during the home summer.”

The team come into camp on 23-24 December in Christchurch.