The Kiwis, the blackcaps, the technicians... New Zealand team is called by several names but sadly, they've rarely achieved some nouns in front, like World champions and thus, local New Zealand countrymen support other sports more than their cricket team. New Zealand were semi-finalists in inaugural T20 world cup back in 2007 and their performance didn't dip too much second time around in 2009 but the spot for finals eluded them. From May 2010 is another chance for black jersey team to prove they can make world stand up and clap for them. Daniel Vettori will lead the side with Brendon McCullum free from wicket keeping responsibility as Gareth Hopkins has done exceptionally well in last 6 months in shortest version of the game. New Zealand T20 world cup squad also marks the return of Jesse Ryder, the talismanic all rounder who bats left handed in top order and can bowl his quota medium pace overs with accuracy. Jesse last played for Kiwis back in September 2009 in Champions trophy before suffering abdominal surgrey. Aaron Redmond, the right handed opener, is the surprise pick and as is Rob Nicol, the 27 year old rookie who bats right handed and also bowls offspin. Nicol was in termendos domestic form and earned his place on sheer weight of performances.  Shane Bond, Kyle Mills, Ian Butler, and Tim Southee are the medium pace options in the squad with also includes Nathan McCullum, the offspinner. A hard-hitting batsman and handy spin bowler, Nicol was seen as the ideal candidate to fill a strong 15-man squad notable for the returns of Jesse Ryder, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Ian Butler and Aaron Redmond. Hard-hitting opener Ryder is on track, having scored a century in his Wellington comeback this week and bowled a handful of overs as he eyes his first international since the Champions Trophy last September. Frontline seamer Mills hasn't played since the same tournament, after which he underwent shoulder and knee surgery. He and the other recovering players will be put through intensive skills and fielding sessions before departure. The only players ruled out were Daryl Tuffey and Neil Broom (both fractured … [Read more...]