Astle, Phillips in New Zealand squad for India series

Besides Phillips and Astle, Matt Henry, Henry Nicholls, Colin Munro and George Worker will join the national team after the conclusion of the one-day series between India A and New Zealand A in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

Todd Astle has two first-class hundreds to his name besides 312 wickets and has played two Tests and as many T20Is.

Glenn Phillips and Todd Astle are in line to make their ODI debut in the upcoming New Zealand-India three-match series, beginning here on October 22.

Besides Phillips and Astle, Matt Henry, Henry Nicholls, Colin Munro and George Worker will join the national team after the conclusion of the one-day series between India A and New Zealand A in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

Star batsman Kane Williamson will captain the Black Caps on the India tour comprising three ODIs and as many T20 Internationals.

New Zealand had earlier picked only nine members for the ODIs, waiting to assess the performance of the players taking part in the A tour.

Astle has been picked for the ODIs ahead of leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who remains a part of the T20 squad. The 31-year-old has two first-class hundreds to his name besides 312 wickets and has played two Tests and as many T20Is.

Phillips, meanwhile, has shown decent form in the ongoing series against India A and scored an unbeaten 140 in the second one-day game on October 10.

The nine members of the squad arrived here on Friday and will play two warm—up games before the ODI series opener.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen, who is also manager of the A team, said Astle and Phillips grabbed their spots through both domestic form and their performances for A team.

“Todd has been one of the best white-ball players in domestic cricket the last few seasons and he’s backed that up with a strong showing for New Zealand A. Todd brings all round skill to the squad, quality leg spin, is athletic in the field as well as being able to contribute with the bat,” said Larsen.

“Glenn has made an immediate effect in domestic cricket and has certainly taken his opportunity over here with New Zealand A, including an outstanding 140 not out. Glenn is an option for us with the gloves in both Twenty20s and ODIs, so we feel we have our bases covered with the 15 we’ve picked.

“It’s widely accepted that India in their own backyard is the toughest challenge in cricket, so we’ll have to be at our best,” Larsen added.