New Zealand to play 3 warm-up matches

NZ had announced its WC side last week and nine members from that team will not be there. Ross Taylor will be on county duties with Middlesex while others are in India for their Indian Premier League commitments. “It’s an exciting challenge ahead of this group who I know will relish the chance to take on the Australians at home,” said NZ selector Gavin Larsen.

“The matches will be a stern test and it will provide quality preparation for those bound for England. It is a great opportunity for the rest to show their wares,” he added. Australia is yet to announce its team for the warm-up series as well as for the premier tournament. The three matches will be played on May 5, 7 and 9.

Squad: Tom Latham (c), Todd Astle, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell (wk), Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Hamish Rutherford, Blair Tickner, George Worker and Will Young.