The extended 21-man New Zealand team for the five-match ODI series against India, which starts on November 4, 2026, includes Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Seifert. After long absences from the format, the trio’s inclusion represents a noteworthy return to the ODI setup.
Seifert’s most recent ODI match was against Pakistan 18 months ago, while Finn Allen and Ferguson last played during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023. Finn Allen can only play in the fourth and fifth games of the series; he will not be able to play in the first three.
Finn Allen, who has been on a two-year casual deal without a New Zealand Cricket central contract, has also signed a $740,000 annual contract with Melbourne Stars, making him the most expensive player in Big Bash League history.
Despite being well-known in franchise cricket, he has no hundreds in the format and an average of slightly under 27 in 22 ODI matches. He has, however, scored three hundreds in Twenty20 cricket, the most recent of which occurred during a World Cup semifinal victory over South Africa.
What has Finn Allen said regarding his return to ODI?
Finn Allen’s recall comes as the Black Caps consider their options in advance of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which is slated to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Allen hasn’t been included in New Zealand’s ODI plans for a number of years. He has maintained his prominence in the international franchise circuit thanks to his T20 form, but the ODI format poses a distinct challenge. Rob Walter, the head coach of New Zealand, has hinted at using Allen in the middle order, possibly as a finisher.
“I’ve been on the New Zealand side for a few years, and I’m very excited about it. I adore cricket for one day. I’ll try to figure it out over the next few weeks, but it will require a slight shift in perspective. I’d like to think I’ve come a long way. Playing a lot of high-level cricket all over the world makes you naturally want to improve, and the more exposure you receive to international cricket, the better. As you gain more experience, you become a better player and gain a better understanding of your game. According to the New Zealand Herald, Allen stated, “That’s even more important in one-day cricket.”
Finn Allen was measured when it came to filling the batting spot left empty by Kane Williamson’s retirement. “I don’t know if you can compare me and Kane, that’s pretty tough to live up to,” he said. However, I guess we’ll talk more about roles and what that will entail when the time comes,” he remarked.
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In preparation for the 2027 World Cup cycle, Ferguson, Seifert, and Finn Allen return as New Zealand expands their net. Both players were well-known during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India, and the selectors’ intention to reevaluate seasoned options in the format is reflected in their reintegration into the ODI squad. Mitchell Santner will also be in charge of the team for the fourth and fifth ODIs, with a sizable portion of the Test team leaving to get ready for the two-match red-ball series.
Coach Rob Walter spoke about Allen and Seifert’s combined returns, saying, “To be fair, [Allen] and Seif are the same.” In India, they had an incredible World Cup. Being a power player and taking some chances is really challenging, and you will experience some disappointment if it doesn’t work out. However, they both deserve praise for sticking to their areas of expertise. According to the previously mentioned source, Walter remarked, “I have no doubt that will carry through into the one-day game.”
