Williamson, Boult back as Kiwis eye Aussie ODI clash

Kane Williamson has returned from injury and will captain New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee ODI series against Australia in Cairns, while fast bowler Trent Boult has also been also included.

Williamson had missed NZ's final two games against the West Indies last week due to a quad injury but is available for the three-match Dettol ODI Series in Cairns between September 6 and 11.

Boult, who was released from his central contract with NZC at his own request earlier this month and is a platinum-level prospect for Sunday's inaugural BBL Draft, is also in the 15-man squad.

"It's a great rivalry we have with Australia, it's always a huge occasion for the fans, and the team really look forward to it," Williamson said.

"You grow up watching the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series and remembering the great battles, so to be part of another chapter is pretty special.

"We know how tough Australia are to beat in their own conditions and we're looking forward to the challenge."

While Australia begin their Far North Queensland start to the summer with a three-match series against Zimbabwe starting in Townsville on Sunday, the Blackcaps have a week's break at home before landing in Cairns for a series that has suffered repeated delays due to Covid-19.

New Zealand's last white-ball tour of Australia – when both teams wore retro kits – ended abruptly in March, 2020, as the pandemic brought a halt to global sport.

Multiple attempts to reschedule the one-day Chappell-Hadlee Trophy backfired as governments in both countries slammed their borders shut and placed onerous quarantine demands on international arrivals.

"Every time we come up against the Australians, we have some pretty good games," said New Zealand allrounder Mitch Santner, who was player of the series in the Windies ODI series.

"We obviously haven't played the series in a little bit now... We've played a lot of cricket but the week at home will be nice to get the lads freshened up, ready to go for another Chappell-Hadlee series."

Fast bowler Matt Henry has also recovered from a rib injury to be named in the squad at spinner Ish Sodhi's expense.

Injuries to Kyle Jamieson (back) and Adam Milne (Achilles) meant they did not make the cut.

Australia, who have won the trophy six times, are the defending champions.

"We know how much the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy means to our fans and we're excited by the opportunity to head to Australia and try and win it back," coach Gary Stead said.

"With the ODI World Cup in India just 14 months away it's great to be playing more ODI cricket as we build towards that tournament."

Men's Dettol ODI Series v New Zealand

Tuesday, Sep 6: Cazaly Stadium, Cairns, 2:20pm

Thursday, Sep 8: Cazaly Stadium, Cairns, 2:20pm

Sunday Sep 11: Cazaly Stadium, Cairns, 2:20pm

Australia squad: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Aaron Finch (c), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

New Zealand squad: Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson (c)

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