Fisher, O’Rourke, Tickner Return; Latham Leads

After prolonged injury layoffs, New Zealand’s trio of pace bowlers—Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke, and Blair Tickner—have been recalled to the national squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh. The announcement was made today by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), signalling a significant boost to the side’s bowling resources.

O’Rourke has recovered from a persistent back injury to rejoin the One Day International (ODI) squad, while Fisher returns to the Twenty20 International (T20I) side following rehabilitation from a shin injury. Tickner, having overcome a knee problem, has been selected for both formats, reflecting his versatility and experience.

New Zealand’s head coach, Rob Walter, expressed his enthusiasm at the return of these seasoned campaigners: “Will, Blair, and Matt have worked tirelessly over the past months to regain full fitness. In today’s demanding cricket calendar, maintaining depth in our bowling attack is crucial, and having players of their calibre back is fantastic for the team.”

Adding further strength, off-spin all-rounder Dean Foxcroft earns a call-up to the white-ball squad for the first time in nearly two years. His impressive domestic form, highlighted by being the fourth-highest run-scorer in the Ford Trophy representing Central Stags, earned him selectors’ attention.

Additionally, four players who recently featured for New Zealand A in Sri Lanka—Mohammad Abbas, Aditya Ashok, Christian Clarke, and Ben Sears—have been drafted into the touring party. Christian Clarke and Jaiden Lennox make their second ODI squad appearances. Clarke made a notable impact during New Zealand’s historic ODI series win in India last January, taking seven wickets across three matches, including dismissals of top-order stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Regular white-ball captain Mitchell Santner will miss the Bangladesh tour due to commitments with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In his absence, experienced campaigner Tom Latham will lead the side.

New Zealand are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on 13 April and will play a series of three ODIs and three T20Is. The squad selections for both formats combine experience with emerging talent, promising a competitive edge.

New Zealand Squads for Bangladesh Tour

With the reintegration of Fisher, O’Rourke, and Tickner, alongside Foxcroft and other emerging talents, New Zealand’s white-ball squads appear well-equipped to tackle Bangladesh’s formidable side, balancing pace, spin, and all-round options. The tour promises exciting contests across both ODI and T20 formats.