MOUNT MAUNGANUI — In a major shake-up for the final leg of the ongoing series, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced crucial squad changes for the 4th and 5th ODIs against India. Following injuries to frontline pacers Lockie Ferguson and Blair Tickner, domestic standout Brett Randell has received his maiden international call-up to the Black Caps setup. Simultaneously, all-rounder Josh Clarkson makes a notable return to the squad as head coach Rob Walter aims to mount a strong comeback with India currently leading the five-match series 2-0.
The Rise of Brett Randell: From Historic Feat to National Colors
At 31 years of age, right-arm fast bowler Brett Randell’s entry into the New Zealand national team is a testament to resilience, consistency, and sheer domestic dominance. Over the course of his career, Randell has established himself as a potent weapon in domestic circuits, featuring across 46 First-Class, 55 List-A, and 45 T20 matches, bagging a total of 284 wickets.
However, what propelled him into global headlines earlier this year was an extraordinary milestone: Randell picked up 5 wickets in 5 consecutive deliveries during a First-Class fixture—a rare and historic feat previously unseen in traditional multi-day cricket history.
Commenting on his inclusion, head coach Rob Walter expressed immense satisfaction, noting that Randell’s consistent performances over the years made him thoroughly deserving of this international opportunity.
Squad Adjustments and Tactical Shifts
The necessity for squad rotation and emergency call-ups arose due to fitness setbacks within the pace department. With Lockie Ferguson and Blair Tickner sidelined due to injuries, and several key red-ball specialists shifting focus toward the upcoming two-match Test series against India, the team management turned to domestic performers.
- Fourth ODI Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Christian Clark, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wk), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert, and Will Young.
- Fifth ODI Squad: Features identical personnel with the strategic addition of Josh Clarkson, bolstering the pace-all-rounder options for the series finale.
With the series standing at 2-0 in favor of India (following victories in Auckland and Wellington via DLS, and a washout in Hamilton), the action now shifts to Mount Maunganui for the final two fixtures on November 13 and November 15, 2026.
“Randell has been playing exceptional cricket for a long time and is thoroughly deserving of this opportunity in national colors.” — Rob Walter, Head Coach, New Zealand Cricket
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why was Brett Randell added to the New Zealand squad?
A: Brett Randell earned his maiden call-up following injuries to key fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Blair Tickner.
Q: What is Brett Randell’s unique record in domestic cricket?
A: Randell created history earlier this year by taking 5 wickets in 5 consecutive deliveries during a First-Class match.
Q: Who is the captain of the New Zealand ODI team against India?
A: Mitchell Santner is leading the side.
Q: Where are the 4th and 5th ODIs between India and New Zealand being played?
A: Both matches are scheduled to be played at Mount Maunganui.
Q: What is the current status of the ODI series?
A: India leads the five-match series 2-0 after the third ODI in Hamilton ended in a no-result.