Tuffey, Bond in NZ Champions Trophy squad
Christchurch: Former Indian Cricket League recruits Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey were on Sunday named in New Zealand’s squad for next month’s Champions Trophy in South Africa.
Bond has also been selected for the ODI tri-series against India and Sri Lanka scheduled from September 1 to 8.
Brendon Diamanti joins the previously-named squads for the Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka and the tri-series.
“For the ICC Champions Trophy, one change has been made to the ODI squad with Tuffey coming in to replace Nathan McCullum,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
New Zealand coach Andy Moles said Diamanti’s addition to the ODI squad in Sri Lanka would provide the side with an additional all-rounder cover.
“Brendon is a strong lower order striker and has good control as a medium pace bowler – he will provide valuable back-up for the squad,” said Moles.
Diamanti is currently playing in India with the New Zealand A side and will head to Colombo on August 26.
Ian Butler, who is in New Zealand after playing recently in the UK, travels to Sri Lanka on August 24.
Tuffey has been part of the team for the Test series in Sri Lanka, but will not play the limited overs matches there as the team has decided to take three spinners into the Twenty20 and ODI series.
“With turning wickets here in Sri Lanka, we’re keen to have three spinners on call,” said Moles.
“But conditions will be different in South Africa – two spinners will be sufficient there, and Daryl’s inclusion will give our seam attack additional depth,” he added.
Tri-Series squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Shane Bond, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Brendon Diamanti, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins (ODIs only), Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Peter McGlashan (Twenty20s only), Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor.
Champions Trophy Squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Shane Bond, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Brendon Diamanti, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor and Daryl Tuffey.