Image Credit- Sportzpics
Former New Zealand
all-rounder Corey Anderson has been included in the USA’s 15-man roster for
their forthcoming home five-match Twenty20 International series against Canada.
In an effort to become eligible for his chosen nation, Anderson, 33, last competed
for New Zealand in 2018.
Throughout the series, which will take place in Houston, Texas from April 7 to
April 13, Monank Patel will continue to lead the United States. Additionally,
Aaron Jones, the team’s vice-captain, has been extended.
For the USA team, the series holds great importance as they will co-host the
T20 World Cup in June alongside the West Indies. The USA will play Bangladesh
in a three-match Twenty20 International series in May.
“With the ICC
T20 World Cup looming, this series holds immense significance for our
team,” Monank said in a USA Cricket statement. “We have some new
players coming into the squad, and these games will help us get the right
combinations and prepare well for the World Cup.”
However, in contrast
of what Monank stated, the team doesn’t have many new members. Like Anderson,
who played 13 Tests, 49 ODIs, and 31 T20Is for New Zealand, whom he had first
represented in 2013, Monank and Jones add a wealth of experience to the team.
Anderson was also a member of the New Zealand team that, along with Australia,
co-hosted the 2015 World Cup and advanced to the championship game.
Gajanand Singh, Jessy Singh, Steven Taylor, Nisarg Patel, Noshtush Kenjige,
Saurabh Netravalkar, and Usman Rafiq are among the other players in the USA
team that will play Canada. Even though they haven’t played for their country,
players like Andries Gous, Harmeet Singh, Nitish Kumar, Milind Kumar, and
Shadley van Schalkwyk have a good deal of first-class and T20 experience.
The USA squad will
arrive at the Prairie View Cricket Complex by April 1 to begin preparations for
the matches versus Canada.
Along with Pakistan, India, and Ireland in Group A for the T20 World Cup,
Canada and the USA will play each other in the tournament’s opening match on
June 2 in Dallas, Texas.