Black Caps call in Otago’s Jacob Duffy for Champions Trophy warm-up series

Jacob Duffy impressed for the Black Caps this summer and has now been added to the team's ODI squad for a tri-series in Pakistan. Photo / Photosport

Otago bowler Jacob Duffy has been added to the Black Caps ODI squad for the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan.

The right-arm seamer was a star of the recent tour by Sri Lanka, claiming 12 wickets across the five white-ball matches he played and being named player of the T20 series.

Duffy was then overlooked for selection in New Zealand’s squad for the Champions Trophy, the most unfortunate omission from the 15-man group contesting the eight-team tournament in Pakistan and Dubai.

Young seamers Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke were chosen to join experienced duo Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, whose involvement in the International League T20 meant he would link late with the Black Caps.

And now Duffy will join the team on the plane heading to Pakistan on Monday night, adding depth to the pace-bowling department and providing specific cover for Ferguson.

The Black Caps face Pakistan in the opening game of the tri-series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore next Saturday, before playing South Africa at the same venue on February 10 followed by a potential final in Karachi on February 14.

New Zealand then get their Champions Trophy campaign under way in the opening match of the tournament against hosts Pakistan in Karachi on February 19.

The Alternative Commentary Collective is covering every home Black Caps test this summer. Listen to live commentary here.