Milne seeks impressive show in Pakistan to make World Cup squad

WELLINGTON: New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne looking to produce a strong performance in the forthcoming white-ball series in Pakistan that will put him in the frame for the ICC World Cup to be staged later this year.

The 30-year-old Milne made a successful return to international cricket over the summer after recovering from a couple of injuries last year.

The pacer featured in seven T20 Internationals and two ODIs this summer with 5-26 being his top show in the second T20 against Sri Lanka in Dunedin last week.

Right-armer Milne is on the cusp of selection for the World Cup along with Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult ahead of him on the fast bowlers list.

The selectors have shown they’re willing to pick non-contracted players with Jimmy Neesham recently playing against Sri Lanka, so it would seem likely that Boult would be a contender for the Cup.

Henry Shipley and Blair Tickner have also been used this summer.

However, Milne has the experience and a mature head on his shoulders having made his international debut back in 2010.

Since then he’s played 42 ODIs and 38 T20 Internationals.

“I’d love to be a part of the [2023] World Cup team,” Milne told Radio New Zealand in an interview. “The Pakistan one-dayers are obviously a good test in sub-continent conditions, so if you can perform there then you put yourself in with a chance to get picked which I’d love to do.”

The 10-nation 50-over World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by India in October-November.

Tom Latham-captained New Zealand face Pakistan in a five-game T20 International series, starting in Lahore on Friday, followed by five ODIs.

Milne’s achilles injury in Europe was followed by a hamstring injury during the home series against India in November.

He then missed the white-ball games in Pakistan and India in January, but some impressive outings domestically resulted in his return to the international arena.

“I’ve had a bit of a past with injuries so it’s definitely one game at a time for me,” Milne said.

“I’m just trying to enjoy playing for New Zealand and so the tour of Pakistan will hopefully give me that opportunity. I’m just trying to keep on top of the body, keep it strong and healthy.

“The more I play games the more consistent my bowling gets so it’s just trying to find those ways to keep me on the park…. it’s just about being smart with my body.

Milne has never played in Pakistan, and he and Matt Henry are the two most experienced bowlers on the tour.

“Obviously, Neesham has played there recently in the Pakistan Super League and a few of the guys obviously played the Test and ODI series [in January], so we’ll certainly be leaning on those guys and learning about the environment and conditions.”