New Zealand captain confirms this 24-year-old star to debut in 1st ODI against India

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell has confirmed that 24-year-old pacer Kristian Clarke will be making his debut in the first ODI against India on January 11. This will be Clarke's first game in international cricket as he hasn't made his debut for the Kiwis in Tests or T20Is either. He does have impressive stats when it comes to both first-class and List A cricket.

Bracewell also said that senior pacer Kyle Jamieson will be having the responsibility of leading the side's bowling attack in the upcoming match. He also backed Clarke to deliver, adding that the team was "excited" to see his bowling in domestic cricket.

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“We have Kyle Jamieson, who’s been around the game a long time and has plenty of experience. I’ll be leaning a lot on him as captain to lead the bowling attack. He’s a very skilful bowler," Bracewell said in the pre-match press-conference.

“We’re still working through the last of our (playing) XI, but I can confirm that Kristian Clarke is making his debut tomorrow (Sunday) so it’s an exciting chance for him. We’re really excited about how he’s been bowling in domestic cricket in New Zealand and also in the build-up over here," he added.

Bracewell confident about the team's batters

Bracewell further went on to express faith in the side's batting order, stating that not only do they have the experience but they also are quite a strong unit when it comes to the department.

“If you look at the experience in our side, it’s in the batting department, which is fortunate. We know that our batting side is going to be strong and then there’s plenty of opportunities for young guys to come in," Bracewell stated.

Clarke's numbers in first-class and List A cricket

Meanwhile, Clarke has made a strong impression in first-class cricket and this led to his selection in New Zealand's squad for the assignment. He has clinched 79 wickets in 28 games for the Northern Districts in the format, including four 5-wicket hauls. He also has a decent List A record, racking up 52 scalps in 34 matches. He has represented the New Zealand U-19 side as well and it remains to be seen if he will be able to make a strong ODI debut against India in Vadodara.