New Zealand vs England: Three Kiwi players to watch out for in the T20I series

James Neesham

Jimmy Neesham who almost won the World Cup for his side, would be hoping to cement his spot in the national T20 team. Neesham is not a regular feature in New Zealand’s T20I side, unlike the 50-over format. The batting all-rounder who made his T20I debut in 2012 has played only fifteen matches in the shortest format at the international level. He last played an international T20 game in January 2017 and has featured in only two T20Is since the last T20 World Cup.

With time, Neesham has worked on both aspects – batting and bowling, which is evident of late. The southpaw finished the World Cup 2019 as the third-highest run-scorer (232) for New Zealand, although not with imposing figures. However, he delivered the goods with the ball, as he finished the tournament as the third-most successful bowler for the Blackcaps. He scalped fifteen wickets in nine games, with an average of 19.46 and a strike rate of 21.8, both being the best for any Kiwi in the tourney.

Although numbers do not speak enough in favour of the 29-year-old, he provides good value in a T20 side and adds much-needed balance. He is a good batsman at number five or six, versed with decent finishing skills. The right-arm fast-medium bowler can also bowl two or three overs, as per the team’s requirement. With a couple of T20 World Cups lined up, Neesham will be eager to put his best foot forward.