The New Zealand men’s cricket team’s selection committee has selected a roster of fifteen players for the forthcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Nathan Smith, an all-round bowler, and Mitch Hay, a batsman and wicketkeeper, have received their first national callups.
Should the two be given a chance to be in the starting lineup, they will be trying to have an impact. Mitchell Santner will be the team’s captain for the two Twenty20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals. The T20 series opener in Dambulla on November 9 is the lone event that will mark the start of the tour.
In the white-ball leg, New Zealand will be looking to regain some of their lost respect after being thoroughly beaten by the Lankans in the recent two-match Test series.
5 Interesting Facts About Nathan Smith:
Early career and education
The right-arm fast bowler was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1998, and besides enjoying backyard cricket, he received a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Massachusetts University. Bio He was performing well which led to his selection to the 2016 U-19 World Cup during which he was New Zealand’s leading wicket taker. That has enabled Smith to contribute immensely to domestic cricket by displaying some of the ability on the field.
First-class debut:
Nathan Smith, who was making his debut first-class match for Otago in the Plunket Shield 2015-16 match against Northern District, has 53 first-class matches at an average of 25.85 with 144 wickets in the hand in 53 first-class matches. He made 27 overs in the first innings and took three wickets of Dean Brownloe, Anton Devcich, and Daryl Mitchell.
Nathan Smith-The Batter
Nathan Smith is a versatile all-rounder who has contributed significantly to various sides. He has scored valuable runs in the New Zealand domestic circuit and has been a valuable addition for Worcestershire in the English County Championship. Smith’s first-class record, including 1919 runs, one century, and 13 fifties, is impressive. His impressive numbers in fifty-over matches and T20s could greatly benefit New Zealand in the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.
Central Contract
Nathan Smith was awarded a New Zealand central contract in September, indicating he would soon earn a maiden call-up. He and Josh Clarkson replaced Devon Conway and Finn Allen, who were denied contracts in August. Smith aims to repay the trust shown by selectors and the board.
New Zealand squad Call-Up
Nathan Smith, a prolific white-ball player, has been called up to the New Zealand squad after a successful season. He recorded career-best figures of 4/5 against Otago in the Super Smash and 33 scalps in the Plunket Shield. Smith also bagged 27 wickets for Worcestershire in the County Championship and eight wickets in nine T20 Blast games.
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