Jacob Duffy returns to Black Caps
Given the busy recent schedule, including the World Cup in India, the national selectors have opted to rest a group of players and give others an opportunity - including Southland's Jacob Duffy.
Former Southland Boys’ High School pupil Jacob Duffy has been included in the Black Caps one-day squad to play a series against Bangladesh starting in Dunedin on December 17.
The 29-year-old has played 13 white-ball internationals since making his T20 debut against Pakistan in 2020 but has largely sat on the fringes with the likes of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Matt Henry taking the lead role with the new ball.
However, given the busy recent schedule, including the World Cup in India, the national selectors have opted to rest a group of players and give others an opportunity.
Southlanders are likely to get a chance to have a look at Duffy in action in the lead up to his return to international cricket when the Southern Volts take on Canterbury at Queens Park on Tuesday.
Last month Duffy told The Tribune he remained eager for more time at the international level.
“Very much so. I’m trying to enjoy my cricket as much as I can for Otago and whatever opportunities come, they come.
“I still have those conversations and I was in the squad earlier this year and was in the setup, so I think I’m still there or thereabouts.
“I’m just biding my time and waiting for my opportunity, I guess. I definitely still want to get to that level.”
That opportunity is about to come, and Duffy is happy with where his game is at the moment.
“It’s coming out really well. My own personal bowling has been bloody good.”
“I feel like I’ve made a jump in the past couple of years. I’ve pushed to a new level and I’m actually bowling a little bit faster now, and I’m still holding my action and getting a bit of swing. Things have been going well in that regard, I’m definitely making improvements.”
Black Caps – ODI series v Bangladesh
(Squad)
Tom Latham (c), Adi Ashok (matches two and three) Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi (match one), Will Young.
(Fixtures)
Sunday, December 17: 1st ODI; University of Otago Oval, Dunedin
Wednesday, December 20: 2nd ODI; Saxton Oval, Nelson
Saturday, December 23: 3rd ODI; McLean Park, Napier