New Zealand team management official former all rounder Gavin Larson after announcement of very strong New Zealand 13 member squad announced that their plan is to build the squad for the 2023 world. They want a mix of experienced stars and talented emerging talents. They have also considered the nature and type of the wicket and the opposition. The three ODIs will be played at University Oval Dunedin, Hagley Oval Christchurch and Basin Reserve Wellington. New Zealand is very much aware about Bangladesh and hence they have chosen horses for the courses.

New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (Capt), Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Will Young

New Zealand played so many matches during COVID19 but not any ODI since playing against Australia at Sydney in March 2020. All their international engagements in between were tests and T20s. They have played just 4 games after their eventful final of ICC World Cup 2019 against England at Lords. 

Captain Kane Williamson is rested as he has issues with his arm injury. New Zealand wants him full fit for the all-important ICC Test Championship final against India in England in June. Tom Latham would lead the side in his absence. 

The team has included three new players Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Will Young. Left handed top order Conway has already rocked with aggressive stroke play in T20 matches in 2020-21. 28 years old Young played test against West Indies in December 2020 . He scored back to back centuries against strong Australia during warm up matches at Brisbane prior to 2019 world cup. But had to stay out for shoulder injury for a long time. Mitchel is a batting all rounder. Conway, Young and Mitchell have been performing well consistently in domestic cricket for a while. 

Apart from Williamson other miss outs are all rounder Colin de Grandhomme for back injury and Lockie Ferguson for ankle problem. 

Still New Zealand has a very formidable in form batting and bowling unit. Martin Guptill after some uncertain time is at his brilliant best. Latham all knows what he is capable of. Taylor is among the best of the business. Conway can dangerous if he transfers his T20 form into ODI. Mitchel and Young would definitely put in their best efforts if given opportunity. We know what Neesham and Nichols are capable of. Bangladesh bowlers have works cut out for them for containing this dynamic batting unit on smaller grounds. 

In seaming and swinging conditions Southee and Boult are among the best in the business. Kyle Jamieson struggled a bit against Australia in T20 series. But the tall left arm express fast bowler can be lethal on his day. Mat Henry, Jeemy Neesham are fillers as and when required. New Zealand named only Mitchell Santner as the lone specialist spinner possibly keeping in view the pace friendly smaller grounds of the three venues. 

The squad has enough quality batting strength and top quality penetrative bowling resources to tease and torment the best of the best. But that does not mean that Bangladesh can not prove competitive in playing squad is smartly arranged, players apply and commit . 

Bangladesh now knows about the opposition. Hope over the next week or so coaching staff would prepare Bangladesh properly analyzing the strength and weakness of each opposition bowlers and batsmen. I am not sure what contribution Daniel Vittori would make in this short time. Bangladesh team does not have too many spinners for taking tips. But his wealth of experience of New Zealand wickets and conditions may be useful. 

BDST: 1500 HRS, MAR 11, 2021
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