New Zealand face a test of their ODI strength against 2023 World Cup hosts India – and they must do so without a mainstay in Martin Guptill.
Veteran opener Guptill, who has played 198 ODIs, has followed in the footsteps of fellow experienced stars Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme in seeking a release from his New Zealand Cricket contract.
That has been granted, and while Guptill insists he remains available for international duty as he seeks playing opportunities elsewhere, he will play no part in the series that starts on Friday.
The Black Caps return to their Eden Park stronghold for game one of a three-match series. They have won six of their last seven men's ODIs at the Auckland ground, including a 22-run victory against India in their last match at the venue, in February 2020.
New Zealand swept that series 3-0, but the last time they won back-to-back ODI series against India was when they prevailed in 1976 and 1981.
These are two of the titans of the ODI game, likely to be major contenders come the World Cup next October and November.
India have won seven of their last eight multi-game bilateral ODI series, including five in a row since losing 3-0 to South Africa at the start of this year, while New Zealand's recent run of four series successes was ended with a 3-0 loss to Australia in September.
New Zealand have not lost back-to-back ODI series since October 2017, when they were beaten 2-1 by India. Guptill featured then but sits this one out, and it remains to be seen whether he will be back, with 23-year-old Finn Allen preferred for now.
Home captain Kane Williamson said of Guptill on Thursday: "He's made a decision to explore a few other options, but as a player and as an experienced member of the group, he's added so much value over the years and been one of our best white-ball players ever.
"[He] absolutely will be missed, but he is not retired, so there's a lot to keep working through over the next period to get a real feel for how the picture looks."
India are under-strength, with captain Rohit Sharma leading the absentees, who also include Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. Shikhar Dhawan captains the tourists.
New Zealand seek to avenge soggy setback in T20s
India won the three-match T20 series between these sides by a 1-0 margin after the first game was abandoned without a ball being bowled, and the third was called a tie on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern rules after rain arrived when it was evenly poised.
It has to be hoped the wet weather stays away this time, with Williamson one game away from equalling Daniel Vettori (82) for the second-most appearances as captain for New Zealand in men's ODIs.
Only Stephen Fleming, away and clear with 218 games as captain, has led the Black Caps more often.
India must prepare well for Bracewell
New Zealand batter Michael Bracewell has hit 17 boundaries (10 fours, seven sixes) during the death overs (41st to 50th) in men's ODIs in 2022, more than any other player from a Test-playing country this year.
If it comes to the crunch and Bracewell is at the wicket, New Zealand will fancy their chances.
Jeremiah Louis set to reunite with brother Mikyle at St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for CPL 2024
Seamer Jeremiah Louis is set to join his younger brother Mikyle at the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), marking the first time the Louis brothers could potentially play together in the tournament. Jeremiah, 28, has been drafted into the Patriots squad as a replacement for Sherfane Rutherford, who has withdrawn from the competition due to personal reasons.
Jeremiah's inclusion adds depth to the Patriots' bowling attack and brings a wealth of experience to the team. Having played six CPL games between 2016 and 2022, Jeremiah has taken three wickets at an average of 38.66, with an economy rate of 9.66. In addition to his CPL experience, Jeremiah also represented the Patriots in the 6IXTY competition, where he took four wickets in five matches in 2022, although he struggled with an economy rate of 10.68.
Despite his presence in the shorter formats, Jeremiah is best known for his red-ball prowess. Over 57 first-class matches, he has amassed 151 wickets at an impressive average of 25.43. His red-ball form earned him a call-up to the West Indies Test squad for their recent tour of England, though injury unfortunately ruled him out before the tour commenced.
While Mikyle Louis made his CPL and T20 debut this season, the chance to play alongside his older brother will be a special moment for both siblings. The addition of Jeremiah brings another dynamic to the Patriots' squad, as the team looks to build momentum in the CPL 2024 season.
The reunion of the Louis brothers promises to be a highlight of the tournament, with fans eager to see how the siblings combine their talents on the field for the Patriots.
ICC launches ‘Whatever It Takes’ campaign to celebrate players elite mentality ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday launched ‘Whatever It Takes’, a campaign designed to build excitement and anticipation for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for October 3-20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Showcasing the dedication, focus, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the world’s best cricketers, the campaign provides fans a glimpse into the efforts undertaken by players as they prepare to take their place on the world stage.
The ‘Whatever It Takes’ campaign comprises a series of films featuring a trio of world-class cricketers—India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, and India’s Shafali Verma—each renowned for their talent and commitment to the game. Through powerful visuals and inspiring narratives, the campaign captures the essence of their journeys, revealing the sacrifices made, the challenges overcome, and the self-belief that drives them towards greatness.
From gruelling training sessions to intensive competition on the field, ‘Whatever It Takes’ embodies the sacrifices that cricketers make in their pursuit of being crowned world champions. It underscores the understanding that success at the highest level is not merely a product of talent but the result of dedication, perseverance, and an individual’s determination to break boundaries.
ICC General Manager: Marketing and Communications, Claire Furlong, said the campaign adds to what promises to be a spectacular tournament.
“The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is the pinnacle of the T20 format, and we’re looking forward to having the world’s best players on display in Dubai and Sharjah throughout October. The ‘Whatever It Takes’ campaign embodies the spirit and objectives of the ICC’s Women’s Cricket Strategy, which aims to grow the women’s game by improving its visibility, perception, and awareness for cricket fans around the world," said Furlong.
“We are committed to delivering a world-class event that will usher in a new generation of heroes while providing fans with an unforgettable experience on every match day. ‘Whatever It Takes’ is not just about who lifts the trophy at Dubai International Stadium on October 20; it is about the journey, the sacrifices, and the pursuit of greatness. It is about inspiring a new generation of cricketers, dreamers, and achievers," she added.
Phillip takes 2 wickets, makes 41 on debut but Lancashire suffer innings and 63-run loss to Durham in County Championship Division 1
Trinidadian pacer Anderson Phillip took two wickets in his debut for County Championship outfit Lancashire but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from going down by an innings and 63 runs to Durham in their Division 1 encounter from September 9-12 at the Riverside Ground in Chester-Le-Street.
Durham, after winning the toss and electing to field first, restricted Lancashire to 228 all out in 94.3 overs.
Matty Hurst led the way with 90 while Josh Bohannon made 49 against 5-44 off 25 overs from medium pacer Ben Raine and 3-58 off 26 overs from Matthew Potts, who recently represented England in their Test series against Sri Lanka.
Durham then put themselves in a dominant position with the bat, putting the Lancashire bowlers to the sword on the way to a mammoth 573-9 in 135.3 overs before declaring with a lead of 345 runs.
South Africa Test batsman David Bedingham led the way with a career best first class score of 279 off 359 balls including 27 fours and a six.
Netherlands all-rounder Colin Ackerman provided excellent support for Bedingham with 186 off 312 balls including 17 fours.
Spinner Luke Wells took 4-69 off 13.3 overs while Phillip took 2-101 off his 21 overs.
A career best spell from Matthew Potts then steered Durham to an innings win.
The medium pacer ran through the Lancashire batting on the way to figures of 9-68 from his 24.2 overs.
Similar to the first innings, Matty Hurst and Josh Bohannon led the way with the bat for Lancashire with 67 and 56, respectively.
Anderson Phillip showed fight with a 68-ball 41 batting at number 10.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
