New Zealand have named their squad for the fourth and fifth One Day Internationals against India, adding fast bowler Brett Randell and all-rounder Josh Clarkson. The Hindu reported the selection, which aims to bolster the team as they attempt to recover from a difficult start to the five-match series. India currently hold a 2-0 advantage, having won the first two matches before the third game was washed out by rain.
Randell, a 31-year-old pacer, is making his first call-up for the senior side in this series. ThePrint reported that Randell expressed enthusiasm about testing his abilities against established Indian batting stars. He noted that facing players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would be a significant experience, describing their statistical records as impressive. Randell, who recently returned from a stint with Derbyshire, stated he prides himself on accuracy and extracting movement.
The new recruit highlighted the value of his recent preparation against the India A side. He mentioned that facing Test regulars at Hagley Oval provided useful practice for the conditions he will encounter. Randell further noted that he has interacted with Indian fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, viewing the international cricketing community as a close-knit group. He expressed a desire to learn from the visiting attack while focusing on his role in securing a win for New Zealand.
Alongside Randell, all-rounder Josh Clarkson has been included in the squad for the final two games. The Hindu reported that Clarkson’s inclusion adds depth to the team’s options in both batting and bowling departments. New Zealand’s captain Matt Henry cautioned against complacency despite the team's strong performance in previous encounters. Henry emphasized that India remains a world-class outfit, noting that sharp early movement can put immediate pressure on batters, particularly those facing their first deliveries in an innings.
The fourth ODI is scheduled for Friday, with the fifth and final match set for Sunday. A victory in the fourth game would give New Zealand a chance to square the series, keeping the contest alive until the final day. Randell’s debut will be a key subplot as he looks to make an immediate impact against one of the most formidable batting lineups in world cricket.