January 21, 2025 3:50 PM
Published by Cricket Wellington
BLACKCAPS seamer Nathan Smith is making his return to the Firebirds squad following a few months of cricket in which he debuted for the national team in all three formats.
Smith is the reigning Men’s Domestic Cricketer of the Year and will provide a boost to the Firebirds with both bat and ball as he looks to be available for the foreseeable future before the Champions Trophy in February.
Through six rounds of the Super Smash the Firebirds are in a precarious position, needing to win most of their remaining games to have a realistic shot at making the finals weekend set for the Cello Basin Reserve on February 1 & 2.
Gareth Severin has also been included in place of Tim Robinson, who was a late scratch due to a slight shoulder concern.
Troy Johnson exits the matchday squad as the corresponding move for Smith’s inclusion.
BLACKCAP Rachin Ravindra is currently in a period of NZC-mandated rest and will likely be available for selection within the next few rounds.
Coming off a solid win on Wellington Anniversary Day, the Blaze are unchanged as they look to take down a strong Canterbury side at home tomorrow.
Australian overseas player Maitlan Brown has made an immediate impact with the team, contributing with both bat and ball yesterday in a game that included two wickets for the debutant.
Watch our Super Smash Round 7 doubleheader and free on TVNZ Duke or online at TVNZ+ from 12:40pm tomorrow, January 22nd 2025.
The Wellington Firebirds and Blaze for Round 7 of the Super Smash are:
Wellington Blaze
Melie Kerr (c)
Nicole Baird
Maitlan Brown
Rebecca Burns
Natasha Codyre
Sophie Devine
Xara Jetly
Caitlin King
Jess Kerr
Sam MacKinder
Jess McFadyen
Gemma Sims
Wellington Firebirds
Nick Kelly (c)
Muhammad Abbas
Michael Bracewell
Tom Blundell
James Hartshorn
Ben Sears
Gareth Severin
Nathan Smith
Michael Snedden
Jesse Tashkoff
Logan van Beek
Peter Younghusband
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