New Zealand bring in Abbas, Kelly for Pakistan ODI series

New Zealand have called up two fresh faces for their upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, naming Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas in the 13-man squad on Monday.

Several prominent names are unavailable for the three-match series, with Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra all out.

But the Kiwi management is optimistic about the opportunity to build depth in their side ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, targeting this series as a chance to test out new recruits.

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“With the next ICC ODI pinnacle event still two and half years away, the series is a perfect opportunity to introduce these players to international cricket now,” New Zealand selection manager Sam Wells said. 

Both Kelly and Abbas hail from Wellington, with the former coming into the side as a top-order batsman, while the latter is a batting allrounder.

“Nick has been the standout domestic batsman the last few seasons,” Wells continued.

“He is a dynamic stroke maker with power, and he can bat anywhere in the top six.

“Mo is one of our most promising young batters and he also provides a sixth bowling option, which is required in the absence of Rachin and Glenn.”

Head coach Gary Stead also expressed his enthusiasm towards the introduction of the pair to the Black Caps setup.

“[Kelly] has been a very, very strong domestic player for the last couple of years and I think fully deserves his spot in the team,” Stead said on Monday.

“He’ll bat at the top of the order. We’re excited to see what he might bring.

“Mo Abbas, he’s a younger player. Very, very exciting.

“I think a real, real talent, especially in playing spin bowling. 

“I guess his ability to bowl a little bit of left-arm seam as well is really helpful in terms of us trying to build our depth of allrounders.

“Overall, we’re looking to build the depth of our players, and this tour augurs well for us in that regard to be able to do so. 

“With the ODI World Cup being two and a half years away in South Africa, it’s a nice opportunity for us to blood some new players and see their credentials as well.”

Online bookmakers are yet to release cricket betting odds for the New Zealand v Pakistan ODI series, with the final fixture of their five-match T20I series still to be played.

The Black Caps lead 3-1 in the shorter-form series and are priced at -227.27 by BetOnline to win the final match in Wellington on Wednesday.

New Zealand squad for Pakistan ODIs

Tom Latham (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.

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