• Black Caps Shake Up Status Quo for ODI Champions Trophy

    The Black Caps, perhaps out of a nothing left to lose sense of desperation, or even out a desire to shake things up and let new blood infuse the moribund lineup, are set to debut some fringe players on the 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy.

    Ten Kiwis are currently serving duties in the Indian Premier League; some domestic players who have shown merit are amongst the picks.

    One intriguing prospect is wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi, who might have the gloves for the Champions Trophy over Captain Tom Latham.

    It is even possible that Ronchi might get an opportunity to bat near the top of the order, even though when last given the chance, he could muster only 47 runs in six innings.

    Latham go his commission as captain whilst regular Kane Williamson, a prodigious batsmen if ever there was one and we can be forgiven for understatement, is of with the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad.

    Another set to see ODI action is seamer Hamish Bennett, who played 14 ODIs three years ago. Central Districts seamer Seth Rance could factor into the selections, even though he is as yet uncapped.

    Rance’s teammate George Worker is on the cusp of making the Black Caps squad.
    The primary burden of making the selections falls on national selector Gavin Larson, who described the challenge as “exciting.”