Brett Randell earns maiden NZ call-up for India ODIs 4 and 5
Synopsis
After 145 professional caps, 31-year-old pace bowler Brett Randell finally gets his maiden New Zealand call-up — drafted into the ODI squad against India with his side already trailing 2-0. Coach Rob Walter's backing signals a rebuild in progress, with the Test support staff already heading to Wellington.
Key Takeaways
Brett Randell , 31, earns his maiden New Zealand international call-up for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India .
Randell has 145 professional caps , including five New Zealand A appearances , and recently played County Championship cricket for Derbyshire .
Josh Clarkson , recalled for the fifth ODI , last played for New Zealand in April 2026 against Bangladesh .
India lead the five-match series 2-0 ; the fourth ODI was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Both remaining matches are scheduled at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui — Friday and Sunday .
New Zealand's Test support staff, including bowling coach Jacob Oram and batting coach Luke Ronchi , have already left for Wellington to prepare for the Test series.
Pace bowler Brett Randell has earned his maiden international call-up to the New Zealand squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Thursday, 12 November. The selection ends a long wait for the 31-year-old right-arm pacer, who has accumulated 145 professional caps across domestic and representative cricket.
Randell's Road to International Cricket
Randell's journey to the national squad has been built on consistent domestic performances over several seasons. Among his 145 professional appearances, he counts five caps for New Zealand A. He recently returned from a County Championship stint with Derbyshire, adding to his experience in English conditions. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter paid tribute to the pacer's perseverance.
'It's always a special time when a player earns their first international call up,' said Walter. 'We're very pleased for Brett; he's been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for some time now and has earned this opportunity.'
Clarkson Also Recalled for Fifth ODI
Josh Clarkson, who has represented New Zealand in six ODIs, has also been recalled to the squad — but only for the fifth and final match of the series. Clarkson last featured for the national side in April 2026 against Bangladesh. Walter acknowledged the squad movements throughout the series. 'There have been a few movements throughout the series, so we're fortunate to be able to bring in Brett and Josh,' he added.
Backroom Reshuffle as Test Preparation Begins
Alongside the playing changes, New Zealand's support staff has also been reorganised. Mitch Renwick and strength and conditioning coach Corey Mileys join Walter and Martin Guptill for the final two ODIs. Meanwhile, bowling coach Jacob Oram, batting coach Luke Ronchi, and S&C coach Chris Donaldson have departed to Wellington to begin preparation for the upcoming Test series.
Series Context and Remaining Fixtures
India currently lead the five-match ODI series 2-0, with the third match recorded as a result and the fourth abandoned without a ball being bowled. The rescheduled fourth ODI is set for Friday at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, with the fifth and final ODI to follow on Sunday at the same venue. A New Zealand side bolstered by fresh faces will look to avoid a series defeat on home soil.
Updated New Zealand ODI Squads
Fourth ODI: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert, Will Young.
Fifth ODI: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
Point of View
The ODI series has the feel of a transition exercise more than a competitive fight-back. The real story here is structural: how does a cricket board committed to white-ball success explain a decade-long domestic career before a first senior cap? Coach Walter's praise is warm, but the system that made Randell wait this long deserves scrutiny too.
NationPress
12 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Brett Randell and why is his New Zealand call-up significant?
Brett Randell is a 31-year-old right-arm pace bowler who has earned his maiden New Zealand international call-up for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India in November 2026. The selection is notable because Randell has accumulated 145 professional caps, including five New Zealand A appearances, before receiving his first senior national call-up.
What is the current state of the India vs New Zealand ODI series?
India lead the five-match ODI series 2-0 as of 12 November 2026. The fourth ODI was abandoned without a ball being bowled, and both the rescheduled fourth match and the fifth ODI are scheduled at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday and Sunday respectively.
Why has Josh Clarkson been recalled to the New Zealand squad?
Josh Clarkson has been recalled for the fifth ODI following squad movements throughout the series. He last represented New Zealand in April 2026 against Bangladesh and has six ODI caps to his name.
Where are the fourth and fifth ODIs between New Zealand and India being played?
Both the fourth and fifth ODIs are scheduled at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The fourth match is on Friday and the fifth on Sunday.
What backroom changes has New Zealand made for the final two ODIs?
Mitch Renwick and S&C coach Corey Mileys have joined the support staff for ODIs four and five. Bowling coach Jacob Oram, batting coach Luke Ronchi, and S&C coach Chris Donaldson have departed to Wellington to begin preparation for the upcoming Test series.
