ACES legspinning maestro Adithya Ashok has been called up to the BLACKCAPS squad for the T20I tour of the UAE in August.

20-year old Ashok has been a standout performer in all formats for the ACES over the last two seasons. He was a consistent performer in the Super Smash, claiming seven wickets and producing match-turning spells.

BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead sees Ashok’s call-up as an opportunity to develop New Zealand’s future spinning talent. “Adi’s only in his second year of professional cricket, but we’ve been impressed with his consistency and attitude with the Aces and when he’s joined New Zealand A and the winter camps.

“With Ish Sodhi not on the UAE tour it’s an opportunity to develop our next leg-spinner,” says Stead.

Ashok joins other ACES stars Finn Allen, Mark Chapman and Lockie Ferguson for the overall tour squad for the UAE and England. Ashok will be available for the UAE matches only while Finn Allen will link up with the squad ahead of the England tour.

The players selected for the UAE series only will also travel to England for the T20 warm-ups.

Ashok is currently in the UK playing for Colchester in Essex.

BLACKCAPS T20 Squad for UAE and England

Tim Southee (c)
Finn Allen (Eng)
Adi Ashok (UAE)
Chad Bowes (UAE)
Mark Chapman
Dane Cleaver (UAE)
Devon Conway (Eng)
Lockie Ferguson
Dean Foxcroft (UAE)
Matt Henry (Eng)
Kyle Jamieson
Cole McConchie (UAE)
Adam Milne (Eng)
Daryl Mitchell (Eng)
Jimmy Neesham
Glenn Phillips (Eng)
Rachin Ravindra
Mitchell Santner
Tim Seifert
Henry Shipley (UAE)
Ish Sodhi (Eng)
Will Young (UAE)

BLACKCAPS T20 Tour Schedule

Aug 17 – 1st T20I v UAE – Dubai
Aug 19 – 2nd T20I v UAE – Dubai
Aug 20 – 3rd T20I v UAE – Dubai

Aug 25 – warm-up T20 – Worcester
Aug 27 – warm-up T20 – Bristol

Aug 30 – 1st T20I v England – Durham
Sept 1 – 2nd T20I v England – Manchester
Sept 3 – 3rd T20I v England – Birmingham
Sept 5 – 4th T20I v England – Nottingham

July 20, 2023