Rob Nicol named in ‘injury hit’ New Zealand Twenty20 World Cup squad

AUCKLAND - Uncapped Canterbury all-rounder Rob Nicol has been named in the New Zealand squad for the Twenty20 World Cup to be played in West Indies next month.

Nicol, a hard-hitting batsman and handy spin bowler, was seen as the ideal candidate to fill a strong 15-man squad notable for the returns of Jesse Ryder, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Ian Butler and Aaron Redmond.

Fast bowler Daryl Tuffey and all-rounder Neil Broom were ruled out because of injury, clearing the way for Nichol’s inclusion.

Nicol scored 237 runs at 23.70 in the domestic Twenty20 league, and took eight wickets at 36.75 and economy rate of 7.35.

“We’re excited about him (Nicol). He’s a good multi-skilled cricketer and with the conditions in the West Indies he’ll add value as a batter and a guy who can bowl spin,” Stuff.co.nz quoted Mark Greatbatch, New Zealand coach and selectors’ spokesman, as saying.

“He’s quite a dynamic player and he’s got better in the last 18 months,” he added.

The team is scheduled to leave for their Brisbane training camp on April 18, where players who are returning from injuries- Ryder (abdominal), Mills (shoulder/knee), Oram (knee), Butler and Redmond (both adductor)- will be put through their paces in an effort to restore match fitness.

New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup: Daniel Vettori (captain), Shane Bond, Ian Butler, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Aaron Redmond, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris and Ross Taylor. (ANI)