Covid affects trip by Swifts

KING Kyle returns.

Auckland bowler Kyle Jamieson has been named in the Black Caps test squad despite featuring in just a handful of games since returning from a back injury.

Jamieson, who was forced out of last year’s tour of England, has been named in a 14strong squad to face England in two tests later this month.

Legspinner Ish Sodhi has retained his place following a successful return to test cricket against Pakistan.

The 30yearold picked up 13 wickets in the series and also added some valuable runs at No 8.

Wellington allrounder Michael Bracewell provides the other spin option in the squad.

New Zealand has favoured a fourpronged pace attack at home, so Jamieson will have a fair chance of playing.

He will compete for a starting place with Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner and Matt Henry, while the captain Tim Southee will spearhead the attack.

Test squad:

Spinner Ajaz Patel has been overlooked and Otago fans will be secretly pleased batter Glenn Phillips has also missed the cut.

He will be a very handy addition to the Volts as they press for a spot in the Super Smash and Ford Trophy playoffs.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the fact Jamieson was available for selection was testament to his dedication and recovery programme.

He has played two T20s and two list A games for Auckland this year following a sixmonth layoff.

‘‘Kyle is a very determined character with a strong desire to play international cricket for New Zealand,’’ Stead said.

‘‘Since he was forced from the field in Nottingham, he’s been very clear that he wants to get his body right to return.

‘‘He’s reported good progress since his return to professional cricket with Auckland and he will get the opportunity to play some long form cricket as part of the New Zealand XI Squad to face England in their warmup match next week at Seddon Park.’’

Sodhi’s retention reflected his strong impact on the series against Pakistan.

‘‘Ish really impressed us with his approach with bat and ball. He’s worked very hard on both in recent years and it was great to see that on the international test stage.’’

Auckland head coach Doug Watson will join up with the test squad ahead of the Bay Oval test as batting coach, while regular Black Caps batting coach Luke Ronchi takes a break following the tour of India.

Ronchi will rejoin the group for the second test in Wellington.

The test squad will assemble in Tauranga on Sunday, February 12.

THE New South Wales Swifts have been forced into a major squad reshuffle for this weekend’s preseason trip to Invercargill due to a Covid19 outbreak within the main playing group.

The Swifts are due to leave Sydney today for clashes with ANZ Premiership sides the Southern Steel and Pulse.

Most of the club’s rostered players are now unavailable. However, several training partners and Swifts Academy athletes will fill the ranks.

The Swifts travelling group will also be supported by local talent from the southern region.

NSW Swifts executive general manager Kath Tetley said the decision was made in consultation with medical staff to ensure the wellbeing of athletes from all three clubs.

‘‘Invercargill has some of the best netball fans in the world, and we are still very excited about playing in front of them to renew rivalries with both the Steel and Pulse, who we have the utmost respect for,’’ she said.

‘‘All of our senior players who’ve been ruled out are gutted that we have had to make this call but with a significant Covid19 outbreak in our senior setup we cannot, in good conscience, travel and put other teams at risk.’’

Steel chief executive Sonya Fleming said it was a tough blow.

‘‘Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we are still not completely immune to the impact of Covid on our events and we certainly feel for the Swifts having to face this challenge,’’ she said.

‘‘To their credit, they have remained steadfast in their determination to continue with these preseason games and provide the Steel with a strong opponent for our players to test their mettle against.’’

Games will feature an international element with Silver Fern midcourters Kate Heffernan, Whitney Souness and Maddy Gordon in action.

A familiar face on the Swifts bench will be assistant coach and former Sting shooter Natalie Avellino.