NZ Indoor Men’s & U22 squads announced for Tri-Series

A new captain, two recalls and five debutants are among the highlights of the New Zealand Men’s squad selected to contest the upcoming Tri-Series with Australia and South Africa next week in Adelaide.

New Zealand have selected a 12-man squad for the series, probably the last time it will play an international series before next year’s World Cup.

Central Districts’ captain Todd Watson, fresh off leading his side to a second Men’s Provincial title in three years, will be skipper of the team, and take over from Auckland’s Victor Davies, who is stepping down.

Davies, who has captained the side since 2017 and through two World Cups, is still in the touring squad and remains an integral part of the New Zealand team.

Coach Leigh Kelly said Watson deserved the honour of leading his country.

“It’s a fitting reward for a player who has led his Province to two titles and three finals in the last three years,” he said.

“Todd’s appointment provides us the opportunity to build leadership depth going into next year.”

Alongside Watson and Davies, the side features three other players who were part of the winning squad at the New Zealand-Asia Cup in May 2023.

Auckland’s Stacy Hyndman and Matt Latham, and Central Districts’ Braden Gardner have all been retained, giving the team a reliable and steady core.

Canterbury skipper Mitchell Gardner will come back into the team and link up with brother Braden for a third series together.

Wellington’s Nick Ward has been recalled after not playing for New Zealand for seven years.

Ward, a 39-test veteran of four World Cups, debuted for New Zealand in 2009 and last played at the 2017 World Cup.

An experienced hand with both bat and ball, he was a steady presence in New Zealand sides throughout the 2010s.

Whilst there is an established senior core in this squad and recalls for some established players, there will also be some new players blooded, with a view to the 2025 World Cup.

Central Districts pair Benjamin Jackett and Bayley Latter have earned their first call-ups, whilst Northern Districts’ Swayam Desai, Canterbury’s Curtis Millard and Ryan Jackson from Wellington will also make their debuts.

The Tri-Series between Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand will be held at Arena 42 in Adelaide, South Australia, from 4-7 September.

Alongside their men's senior side, ICNZ also announced an Under-22 men's side, which will also contest the Tri-Series against Australia and South Africa this September in Adelaide.

The selectors conceded this was an especially difficult team to select.

With several players aging out and therefore moving on from the side, there has been a natural change in the squad with 10 players making their Under-22 debut.

Auckland pair, Harlin Amaral and Liam McCarthy, who played for South Australian sides in the Australian National Championships this past July are the two surviving members from the 2022 World Cup triumph.

Central Districts' are well represented in the squad team with five players making the cut, namely, Tyler Annand, Jacob Duker, Jerome Robinson, Josh Young and Charlie Pawson, whose performance in the Men's final earned him the Brian Herman memorial award.

Northern Districts' Sam Clode, David Kingham and Seb Heath will also debut, as will Wellington's Jack Gaskin and Finn McQueen.

Coach Sunnie Chan spoke to a difficult selection process.

"The depth is incredible based on the programme we've been running for the last five years,”

“There are at least half a dozen young men who have missed out on this group that will continue to push for selection amongst others through to the 2025 World Cup."

TRI-SERIES SQUAD: NEW ZEALAND MEN:

() Denotes number of caps (2009 onwards via Spawtz Management System)

Todd Watson (C) (17), Victor Davies (53), Braden Gardner (16), Stacy Hyndman (49), Matt Latham (20), Mitchell Gardner (21), Nick Ward (39), Swayam Desai (Debut), Ryan Jackson (Debut), Bayley Latter (Debut), Curtis Millard (Debut), Benjamin Jackett (Debut).

Coaches: Leigh Kelly, Nathan Daley, Guy Coleman

Video Analyst: Ian Collins

Manager: Tony Watkins

TRI-SERIES SQUAD - NEW ZEALAND UNDER-22 MEN:

Harlin Amaral, Liam McCarthy, Tyler Annand, Sam Clode, Jacob Duker, Jack Gaskin, Seb Heath, David Kingham, Finn McQueen, Charlie Pawson, Jerome Robinson, Josh Young.

Coaches: Paul Anderson, Sunnie Chan

Manager: Daniel Batley

View the match schedule here, or follow the broadcast via the links below: