Luke Woodcock set to play against Pakistan in Christchurch ODI
New Zealand are aiming to keep their stranglehold going over Pakistan as they square up for the third match of the six match series, set to take place at the AIMs stadium in Christchurch.
The Pakistanis were bulldozed by the hosts by a crushing margin of 9 wickets in the first match at the Westpac ground in Wellington, while the second match of the series, at the Events centre in Queenstown, was rained off only after 4
overs of play.
The hosts have rested their captain Daniel Vettori from the third match of the series; he has been replaced by left arm spinner Luke Woodcock, who played the second T20 match between the two teams last month. Vettori has been replaced
in the side as per the rotation policy of the New Zealand team management which gets input from the national selectors; the rest period is crucial for the players as they bid to recharge their batteries ahead of the World Cup next month.
The head of the selection panel and former http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 batsman Mark Greatbatch stated that Woodcock needs to be given a run before the World Cup as he is yet to play an ODI for the national team.
"We think it's important for everyone in the World Cup squad to get a run before they head to India," Mark Greatbatch said. "Normally the selection panel would pick a squad for two matches but because of the short game in Wellington and
the rained-out match in Queenstown we wanted some flexibility”.
He added that Woodcock was selected in the team due to his ability with the ball, which would be pivotal on the slower tracks in India, that offer a great deal to bowlers like him. He has tons of experience in the first class circuit and
Greatbatch believes he can surely do the job for the team as they bid to win their first ever World Cup.
"Luke Woodcock comes into the squad and deserves his place after playing so well for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wellington-c864 over a number of seasons. It's important he gets some exposure to international cricket and I'm sure he will make the most of the opportunity
when he gets his chance."
The 28 year old from Wellington is capable, both with bat and ball as he has scored runs in the longer as well as shorter formats, yet the Kiwis hope that he would play a greater role with the ball in the tournament. The Kiwis would play
their group matches in Sri Lanka and would bank on the likes of Woodcock to give them that stability in the lower order besides his bowling credentials.
Meanwhile the Black Caps are set to ring in the changes in the remaining games of the series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755. However, it's a tricky situation for them as they have to ensure that their results don’t dip the way they did prior to the
win in the first match. The Black Caps had a horrid run in the sub-continent and lost 11 ODIs on the trot in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750. The Black caps are the only team to have visited all three World Cup venues in the last 12 months or so, yet their
wretched show there has only given their confidence a serious battering.
Squad for the 3rd ODI: Ross http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Luke-Woodcock-c1860, Kane Williamson.
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