Dean Foxcroft earns recall after strong domestic season; Tom Latham to captain in Santner’s absence

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New Zealand have announced their squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh in April, with the return of key fast bowlers Matthew Fisher, Will O’Rourke and Blair Tickner boosting the side after injury layoffs. The tour will feature three ODIs and three T20Is, with Tom Latham set to lead the team in the absence of regular captain Mitchell Santner, who is currently engaged in the IPL with Mumbai Indians.

Will O’Rourke makes his comeback from a back injury and has been included in the ODI squad, while Matthew Fisher returns from a shin injury to feature in the T20I setup. Blair Tickner, recovering from an ankle injury, has been named in both ODI and T20I squads, adding valuable depth and experience to New Zealand’s pace attack.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in the returning players, highlighting the importance of squad depth in modern cricket. He noted that the trio had worked hard during their recovery periods and their return would strengthen the team’s bowling options significantly.

Dean Foxcroft is another notable inclusion, marking his return to the white-ball format for the first time since April 2024. The allrounder impressed in domestic cricket, finishing as one of the top performers in the Ford Trophy. Representing Central Districts, Foxcroft scored 435 runs in 11 innings, making him one of the leading run-scorers of the tournament and earning his spot back in the national setup.

The ODI squad also sees the inclusion of Muhammad Abbas and Adi Ashok, both of whom recently featured in the New Zealand A series in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Kristian Clarke and Ben Sears have been named in both formats, continuing their rise in international cricket. Jayden Lennox, who was part of New Zealand’s historic series win against India earlier this year, is also included and could make his T20I debut during the tour.

New Zealand are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on April 13, with the first two ODIs set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on April 17 and 20. The third ODI will take place in Chattogram on April 23. The T20I series will begin on April 27 in Chattogram, followed by another match on April 29, before concluding in Dhaka on May 2.

New Zealand ODI Squad:
Tom Latham (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young

New Zealand T20I Squad:
Tom Latham (c), Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Bevin Jacobs, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner