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Nathan McCullum to get T20 swansong

Veteran allrounder Nathan McCullum will make his international farewell in India after being named in the NZ side for the ICC World Twenty20

New Zealand's Nathan McCullum
New Zealand veteran Nathan McCullum will farewell international cricket at the World Twenty20 Cup. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Veteran allrounder Nathan McCullum will get the chance to bow out of international cricket on a high after being named in the New Zealand squad for the ICC World Twenty20 next month.

The 35-year-old will retire from the game at the end of the season, but his spot in the team had been in doubt after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

He only returned to action late last month.

The offspinner is one of three slow bowlers named for the tournament in India with legspinner Ish Sodhi and left-armer Mitchell Santner also included.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen says there's no doubt McCullum will be an invaluable addition to the T20 squad.

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"He's back and fighting fit again - I wouldn't call Nathan a gamble at all, he's an absolutely proven T20 practitioner and his experience will be vital."

Larsen said the selectors had been mindful of Indian conditions in opting for four pace bowlers and three frontline spinners.

Promising batsman Henry Nicholls, who only made his debut this season, wins a spot and will provide wicketkeeping cover for Luke Ronchi.

Injured trio Tim Southee, Ross Taylor and Mitchell McClenaghan are included, and Larsen expects all three to be back to their best by next month.

"Of course it's always a concern when you've got injuries, but they're travelling well in terms of their rehab and we're very, very confident that come a month from now, they'll be 100 per cent fighting fit."

Larsen said Canterbury medium-pacer Matt Henry had been particularly unlucky to miss out.

"There are always tough decisions that have to be made when you balance up a squad.

"Matt is very unlucky - he's a form horse at the moment, bowling exceptionally well in one-day cricket and he's got a massive future with New Zealand."

Larsen said Henry would remain on standby for the World Twenty20, as would pace bowler Doug Bracewell.

Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Corey Anderson, Grant Elliott, Mitchell Santner, Luke Ronchi, Nathan McCullum, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult.


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