The India versus New Zealand series is turning into a mystery. Players keep getting injured, replacements keep arriving, and the squads keep changing. There were already separate squads for the first three ODIs and the final two, yet even those plans have needed repeated changes.
New Zealand have been particularly troubled by injuries. Their fast-bowling options have taken one hit after another, leaving the team constantly looking for replacements. With several players also moving into Test preparation, maintaining enough options for the remaining ODIs has become a challenge.
Now, Brett Randell and Josh Clarkson are the two latest additions. Randell joins New Zealand’s squad for both the fourth and fifth ODIs, while Clarkson comes in for the fifth ODI only.
Why New Zealand’s ODI Squad Keeps Changing
New Zealand’s previously announced squad for the fourth ODI contained just 13 players.
Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson remain available for the fourth ODI, but neither features in the fifth ODI squad. Their continued presence for the fourth match provides some experience before New Zealand face another change to their bowling combination in the series finale.
The injury problems explain why these additions matter. Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remaining ODIs, while Blair Tickner was unavailable for the third and fourth matches after being struck by a ball while batting. Henry also missed the third ODI as he continued recovering from a training collision.
Tickner is included in the updated fifth ODI squad. Along with Randell and Clarkson, his presence gives New Zealand more options as Henry and Jamieson leave the ODI group.
Brett Randell Gets His First International Opportunity
Randell has earned his maiden New Zealand call-up after consistent performances in domestic cricket and recent appearances for New Zealand A.
The 31-year-old right-arm seamer can move the ball and offers an attacking option with the new ball. His domestic experience could be useful for a side whose pace resources have been repeatedly disrupted.
Randell has yet to make his international debut. Selection in the squad puts him in contention, and New Zealand will hope he can carry his domestic form into international cricket if given an opportunity.
Josh Clarkson Adds Power and a Bowling Option
Clarkson, who has already played international cricket, offers a different skill set. He is a batting all-rounder who can hit hard and contribute overs with his seam bowling.
His inclusion for the fifth ODI adds depth to the batting and gives Santner another option with the ball. With two experienced fast bowlers absent from that squad, having an all-rounder who can share the bowling workload becomes particularly useful.
New Zealand trail India 2–0, with the third ODI ending without a result. They must win both remaining matches to draw the series. The fourth and fifth ODIs will be played at Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.
Updated New Zealand ODI Squads
Fourth ODI: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wk), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert (wk), Will Young.
Fifth ODI: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert (wk), Blair Tickner, Will Young.
