BLACKCAPS CALL-UP FOR BRETT RANDELL!

Central Stag Brett Randell has today earned his maiden international selection to the BLACKCAPS squad, called up ahead of the fourth and fifth ODIs against India.

The 31-year-old right-arm paceman with a Hadlee-esque action and accuracy comes in after strong performances opening the attack in the red-ball format for New Zealand A over the last fortnight - not to mention consistently strong form for the Stags in all formats over recent seasons, punctuated by a broken collarbone and comeback.

Stags teammate Josh Clarkson has also been called back into the BLACKCAPS squad in this Series - Clarkson was earlier part of the T20i squad, and will continue with the Stags in Napier today before linking up with the national team ahead of the fifth and final ODI against India.

BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter congratulated Randell on his first international selection.

“It’s always a special time when a player earns their first international call up,” said Walter.

“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 - a former Manawatū and Central Stags player, and strength and conditioning coach Corey Mileys also join Walter and assisting coach Martin Guptill for ODIs four and five, while BLACKCAPS bowling coach Jacob Oram, batting coach Luke Ronchi, and S&C coach Chris Donaldson depart early to Wellington for Test series preparation.

ODI SQUADv INDIA

- updated -

ODI 4

Mitchell Santner - captain, Northern Districts

Finn Allen - Auckland Aces

Michael Bracewell - Wellington Firebirds

Kristian Clarke - Northern Districts

Jacob Duffy - Otago Volts

Matt Fisher - Northern Districts

Dean Foxcroft - Central Stags

Mitch Hay - wicketkeeper, Canterbury

Matt Henry - Canterbury

Kyle Jamieson - Canterbury

Nick Kelly - Northern Districts

Brett Randell - uncapped, Central Stags

Tim Seifert - wicketkeeper, Northern Districts

Will Young - Central Stags

ODI 5