Brett Randell earns maiden New Zealand call-up for India ODIs

Brett Randell has earned his maiden international call up to the New Zealand side the fourth and fifth ODIs against India, New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday. The uncapped 31-year-old pacer recently returned from a County Championship season with Derbyshire. He is expected to make his debut in this series.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have also recalled Josh Clarkson for the last match of the series. Clarkson, who has represented New Zealand in six ODIs, last featured for the national team in April this year, against Bangladesh.

Their inclusion comes following a spate of injuries, especially in the pace department.

“It’s always a special time when a player earns their first international call up,” Rob Walter, New Zealand’s head coach, 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.

“There’s been a few movements throughout the series so we’re fortunate to be able to bring in Brett and Josh. “The weather looks promising this weekend so hopefully we’ll get to end the series on a high.”

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, while bowling coach Jacob Oram, batting coach Luke Ronchi, and S&C coach Chris Donaldson have departed to Wellington for Test preparation.