Now Reading: Brett Randell Earns Maiden New Zealand Call-Up as Josh Clarkson Returns for India ODIs
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Brett Randell Earns Maiden New Zealand Call-Up as Josh Clarkson Returns for India ODIs
Brett Randell’s wait is over. The 31-year-old pacer has earned a maiden New Zealand call-up for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India, New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday. With injuries biting into the pace attack, Randell is expected to make his debut, while Josh Clarkson returns for the series finale.
Randell Rewarded for Years of Domestic Consistency
Randell arrives in the squad fresh from a County Championship season with Derbyshire. The uncapped seamer has been a steady performer in domestic cricket for some time, and the selectors have now answered his form with a first international call.
He is expected to make his debut in this series. For a 31-year-old, it is a late but richly deserved breakthrough.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter was quick to praise the new arrival. “It’s always a special time when a player earns their first international call up,” Walter said. “We’re very pleased for Brett, he’s been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for some time now and has earned this opportunity.”
A Debut Built on County Experience
Randell’s recent stint in English county cricket gives him fresh match rhythm at exactly the right moment. Bowling through a full County Championship season demands fitness, discipline and control, qualities New Zealand will need as they chase a strong finish.
Josh Clarkson Recalled for the Final ODI
New Zealand have also brought back Josh Clarkson for the last match of the series. The all-rounder has played six ODIs for the Black Caps and last featured for the national side in April this year, against Bangladesh.
His return adds balance and depth to a squad that has been reshaped over the course of the series. Clarkson is included in the fifth ODI squad only.
Injuries Force a Pace Reshuffle
Both inclusions follow a spate of injuries, particularly in the pace department. The movements have kept the selectors busy, but Walter sees the silver lining in the depth now on display.
“There’s been a few movements throughout the series so we’re fortunate to be able to bring in Brett and Josh,” he said.
The squads also show other shifts in personnel. Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry are in the fourth ODI squad but are absent from the fifth, while Blair Tickner joins the group for the finale.
Weather Looking Positive
There is encouraging news off the field too. “The weather looks promising this weekend so hopefully we’ll get to end the series on a high,” Walter added.
Squads for the Fourth and Fifth ODIs
Mitchell Santner continues to lead the side in both matches. Here is how the two squads compare.
Squad for the 4th ODI
| No. | Player | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Santner | Captain |
| 2 | Finn Allen | |
| 3 | Michael Bracewell | |
| 4 | Kristian Clarke | |
| 5 | Jacob Duffy | |
| 6 | Matt Fisher | |
| 7 | Dean Foxcroft | |
| 8 | Mitch Hay | Wicketkeeper |
| 9 | Matt Henry | |
| 10 | Kyle Jamieson | |
| 11 | Nick Kelly | |
| 12 | Brett Randell | Uncapped |
| 13 | Tim Seifert | Wicketkeeper |
| 14 | Will Young |
Squad for the 5th ODI
| No. | Player | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Santner | Captain |
| 2 | Finn Allen | |
| 3 | Michael Bracewell | |
| 4 | Kristian Clarke | |
| 5 | Josh Clarkson | Recalled |
| 6 | Jacob Duffy | |
| 7 | Matt Fisher | |
| 8 | Dean Foxcroft | |
| 9 | Mitch Hay | Wicketkeeper |
| 10 | Nick Kelly | |
| 11 | Brett Randell | Uncapped |
| 12 | Tim Seifert | Wicketkeeper |
| 13 | Blair Tickner | |
| 14 | Will Young |
Support Staff Changes
There are changes behind the scenes as well. Northern Districts pathway coach Mitch Renwick and strength and conditioning coach Corey Mileys have joined Walter and Martin Guptill for the fourth and fifth ODIs.
Meanwhile, bowling coach Jacob Oram, batting coach Luke Ronchi and S&C coach Chris Donaldson have departed for Wellington to begin Test preparation.
What It Means for the Series Finale
With a debutant expected in the pace attack and a returning all-rounder in the mix, New Zealand head into the final two ODIs with fresh energy. The new faces will be keen to make an instant impact, and Randell in particular has the chance to turn a long journey into a memorable first cap.
