WELLINGTON: New Zealand pacers Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne and all-rounder Corey Anderson all have been named in the 15-man squad for the forthcoming Champions Trophy to be held in England and Wales in June.
The trio have been named by selectors Mike Hesson and Gavin following months of rehabilitation, and after demonstrating their fitness with their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) sides.
Milne has played two matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore in this edition of the IPL so far, bowling his full quota of overs with returns of three wickets.
McClenaghan, who plays for Mumbai Indians, has so far bowled 28 overs and has taken 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.67.
Anderson, playing for Delhi Daredevils, has continued to take on bowling responsibilities - he has bowled a total of four overs across two innings so far, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Hesson said the three players returning from injury had done everything possible in a bid to be fit for selection.
“It’s been good to see all three back on the park and bowling; together they add a lot of experience to our squad,” he said.
“Mitch and Adam have been running in well, and Corey has shown he’ll be capable of providing an option with the ball,” he added.
The Black Caps squad for the Champions Trophy tournament features five specialist batsmen, four pace bowlers, three seam-bowling all-rounders, two-spinners and a wicket-keeper.
The squad was not a straight-forward one to pick, the New Zealand head coach said – with strong competition for places across the board and a lot of discussion over the final balance.
“We believe it’s an exciting squad; an experienced squad, and one that has the batting power and the bowling variations to prevail in a potentially high-scoring tournament,” he said.
“Having four all-rounders (including Mitchell Santner) certainly helps with balance, and the return Mitch and Adam will offer options with the new ball, through the middle of the innings, and in the death overs,” he added.
The Black Caps will play an ODI tri-series in Ireland ahead of the Champions Trophy and Hesson confirmed a small group of players from that squad were likely to remain in England as cover during the tournament.
New Zealand, who are in Group A of the Champions Trophy, will play their first match against Australia, on June 2, followed by matches against England and Bangladesh on June 6 and 9 respectively.
Prior to the tournament, they are scheduled to play two warm-up matches: against India on May 28 and Sri Lanka on May 30.
New Zealand's Champions Trophy squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Jeetan Patel, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.