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Bevon Jacobs earns maiden Blackcaps call-up to face Sri Lanka
Sport Nation • December 23rd, 2024 9:00 am
Photo: Marty Melville/Photosport
Christmas has come early for Bevon Jacobs, with the news that the Auckland Aces batter has earned his maiden Blackcaps call-up ahead of a three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka.
The powerful 22-year-old has been enjoying incredible form with the bat this season with Auckland in the Plunket Shield, including innings of 75 and 79 last month against Wellington.
It caps off a memorable period for Jacobs' cricket career, after being picked up in last month's IPL auction for $NZ61,000 to join fellow Kiwis Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner at the Mumbai Indians.
Blackcaps selector Sam Wells has named two 13-strong squads for the T20 and ODI series that will allow some players, like Will O'Rourke, to rest up after heavy Test workloads in 2024, while giving more New Zealand talent the opportunity to play in front of home crowds this summer - Zac Foulkes, Mitch Hay and Tim Robinson made their Blackcaps debuts overseas during the winter.
Hay will also take on wicketkeeping duties for the T20 series starting December 28 at Bay Oval, but will stay on for the ODI series as cover for Tom Latham, who is set to join the squad alongside O'Rourke and Will Young for the 50-over matches.
“It’s obviously an exciting time for Bevon and his family,” Wells said.
“He’s a promising player with a lot of talent and we’re looking forward to exposing him to international cricket.
“He’s clearly got a lot of power with the bat, but he’s also shown in the longer formats that he has a decent technique and temperament.”
January's ODI series will be the final matches before the Blackcaps select their 15-player squad for February's ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
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Matt Henry leads a youthful pace bowling attack, including Foulkes, O'Rourke, Jacob Duffy, and Wellington's Nathan Smith, who recently impressed in his Test debut against England - taking three wickets at Hagley Oval and four at Basin Reserve.
The Sri Lanka series marks the beginning of Mitchell Santner's tenure as the new full-time white-ball captain for the Blackcaps, who will serve as the frontline spin option, backed up Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.
Due to their SA20 commitments, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway were unavailable for selection. Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) were not considered as they continue their injury rehabilitation.
Blackcaps T20 & ODI squads to play Sri Lanka: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (T20 only), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs (T20 only), Tom Latham (ODI only), Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke (ODI only), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson (T20 only), Nathan Smith, Will Young (ODI only).
Blackcaps v Sri Lanka schedule
1st T20: December 28 at Bay Oval - first ball 7.15pm
2nd T20: December 30 at Bay Oval - first ball 7.15pm
3rd T20: January 2 at Saxton Oval - first ball 1.15pm
2nd T20: December 30 at Bay Oval - first ball 7.15pm
3rd T20: January 2 at Saxton Oval - first ball 1.15pm
1st ODI: January 5 at Basin Reserve - first ball 11am
2nd ODI: January 8 at Seddon Park - first ball 2pm
3rd ODI: January 11 at Eden Pak - first ball 2pm
2nd ODI: January 8 at Seddon Park - first ball 2pm
3rd ODI: January 11 at Eden Pak - first ball 2pm
Sport Nation has live ball-by-ball commentary of the Blackcaps v Sri Lanka T20 and ODI series, starting December 28 - available on the Sport Nation app and all NZ frequencies.
