Key points
- New Zealand have added Brett Randell to their squads for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India, with the fourth match scheduled for November 13 in Mount Maunganui.
- The 31-year-old Randell took five wickets in five consecutive balls for Central Stags against Northern Districts in a Plunket Shield match in March 2026.
- Randell became the first bowler in the 254-year history of first-class cricket to achieve five wickets in five balls, according to the reported record.
- Randell has made 145 professional appearances, including five for New Zealand A, and is in line for his international debut.
- All-rounder Josh Clarkson has been added to New Zealand's squad for the fifth and final ODI on November 15.
- India lead the five-match ODI series 2-0 after winning the first two matches; the third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned because of rain.
New Zealand have added fast bowler Brett Randell to their squads for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India, giving the 31-year-old an opportunity to make his international debut after a remarkable domestic performance earlier this year. Randell made first-class cricket history in March when he took five wickets in five consecutive balls for Central Stags in a Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts.
The fourth ODI is scheduled for Friday, November 13, in Mount Maunganui, with the fifth and final match to be played at the same venue on November 15. India lead the five-match series 2-0 after winning the opening two games. The third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned because of rain.
Randell's historic five-ball spell
Randell produced the record-breaking sequence while playing for Central Stags against Northern Districts in March 2026. The five consecutive dismissals made him the first bowler in the 254-year history of first-class cricket to take five wickets in five balls, according to the reports of the achievement.
The feat brought the experienced domestic fast bowler into wider focus and has now been followed by his maiden call-up to the New Zealand ODI squad. Randell has played 145 professional matches, including five appearances for New Zealand A. He has also recently returned from a stint with English county side Derbyshire in the County Championship.
Five wickets in five balls had been recorded in other forms of the game before Randell's first-class achievement. Ireland's Curtis Campher became the first male player to take five wickets in five balls in a professional match during a domestic T20 game in July 2025. Zimbabwe Women all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu had also achieved the feat in a domestic Under-19 T20 match in 2024.
New Zealand give Randell a chance in final two ODIs
New Zealand have included Randell in the squads for both remaining matches, and he is in line to make his international debut in the fourth ODI. Head coach Rob Walter welcomed the fast bowler's selection and pointed to his consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Walter described a first international call-up as a special moment for a player and said Randell had earned the opportunity through his work over time. The coach also noted that changes during the series had allowed New Zealand to bring Randell and Josh Clarkson into the group.
Clarkson, an all-rounder, has been added for the fifth and final ODI only. The selections provide New Zealand with additional options as they look to finish the series strongly after falling behind in the opening two matches.
Updated New Zealand squads
New Zealand's squad for the fourth ODI features Mitchell Santner as captain, alongside Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert and Will Young.
For the fifth ODI, Clarkson comes into the group and Blair Tickner is also listed. The squad is Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert, Blair Tickner and Will Young.
Randell's inclusion for both matches is the headline change, while Clarkson's selection is limited to the series finale. New Zealand will hope the additions strengthen their options for the final two games.
Coaching staff changes as Test series approaches
New Zealand have also made adjustments to their coaching group as preparations begin for the two-match Test series against India, which is scheduled to start on November 19. Northern Districts pathway coach Mitch Renwick and strength and conditioning coach Corey Mileys have joined head coach Walter and Martin Guptill with the ODI squad.
Regular bowling coach Jacob Oram, batting coach Luke Ronchi and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson have moved to Wellington to prepare for the Test series. The changes separate the immediate ODI requirements from preparations for the longer-format assignment.
India hold the advantage heading into Mount Maunganui
India have already secured victories in the first two matches of the five-game series and therefore travel into the fourth ODI with a 2-0 advantage. The second match was decided by four runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, while the third match could not produce a result after rain interrupted play in Hamilton.
The fourth ODI on November 13 will give New Zealand an opportunity to keep the series alive before the final match two days later. Randell's potential debut adds an individual storyline to the contest, with the record-setting domestic bowler now one step away from representing the Black Caps in international cricket.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Brett Randell?
Brett Randell is a 31-year-old New Zealand fast bowler who has been added to the country's squads for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India. He has played 145 professional matches, including five for New Zealand A, and is in contention for his international debut.
Why is Brett Randell in the news?
Randell made headlines after taking five wickets in five consecutive balls for Central Stags against Northern Districts in a Plunket Shield match in March 2026. The feat made him the first bowler in the 254-year history of first-class cricket to achieve five wickets in five balls.
When could Brett Randell make his New Zealand debut?
Randell is in contention to make his international debut in the fourth ODI against India, scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, in Mount Maunganui. He has also been named in the New Zealand squad for the fifth and final match of the series.
Has Josh Clarkson been added to New Zealand's ODI squad?
Yes. New Zealand have added all-rounder Josh Clarkson to the squad for the fifth and final ODI against India, scheduled for November 15. Randell has been named for both the fourth and fifth matches, while Clarkson's addition is for the series finale.
What is the current score in the India-New Zealand ODI series?
India lead the five-match ODI series 2-0. They won the first two matches, while the third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned because of rain. The fourth match is scheduled for November 13 in Mount Maunganui, followed by the fifth on November 15.