Tom Latham to lead new-look New Zealand squad in Ireland tri-series

Kiwi opener Tom Latham will lead an inexperienced New Zealand team in the tri-series against hosts Ireland and Asian giant killers Bangladesh.

Latham will become New Zealand’s 22nd ODI captain as regular skipper Kane Williamson will be on IPL duty. Williamson, along with nine other regulars in the Blackcaps squad, has been excused by New Zealand Cricket to take part in India’s extravagant T20 league.

Tom Latham will most likely lead a side with three potential debutants Seth Rance, Scott Kuggeleijn and Neil Wagner. Speedster Hamish Bennett and opening batsman George Worker have also been called back into the side touring Ireland.

The Ireland tri-series will work as a warm up for the Kiwis before they head into the Champions Trophy in June. As for Latham, he will look to regain some form after a string of poor performances with the bat against Australia and South Africa. This will also be an opportunity for Latham to refine his captaincy skills as the 25-year-old is most likely to succeed skipper Kane Williamson.

With regular keeper Luke Ronchi taking the gloves, Latham will oversee things as captain on the field and look to make an impression with the bat as well.

“Tom has been a leader within the side for a while now and this is a chance to continue his development in that area,” NZC selector Gavin Larsen said.

“At 25 years old Tom is still a youthful captain, but he’s performed the role well for Canterbury and New Zealand Under-19 in the past. With the likes of Ross [Taylor] and Luke [Ronchi] in the squad, there also are some experienced players to help support him,” Larsen added.

“It’s a great learning opportunity for Tom and a chance for other squad members to take on a bigger leadership role too,” he said.

Tom Latham will be at the helm for the Blackcaps as they face off against hosts Ireland in the first game of the tri-series on May 14. 

New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (captain) George Worker, Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, Henry Nicholls, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Scott Kuggeleijn, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, Hamish Bennett, Seth Rance, Jeetan Patel (fourth ODI only).

Indian Premier League absentees: Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Corey Anderson (Delhi Daredevils), Martin Guptill, Matt Henry (Kings XI Punjab), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme (Kolkata Knight Riders), Tim Southee, Mitchell McClenaghan (Mumbai Indians), Adam Milne (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Lockie Ferguson (Rising Pune Supergiants).

Tour schedule:

May 14 v Ireland, Dublin

May 17 v Bangladesh, Clontarf

May 21 v Ireland, Dublin

May 24 v Bangladesh, Clontarf