New Zealand stand-in captain Nick Kelly said on Saturday that he thoroughly enjoyed being thrust into the leadership role during the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. With Tom Latham sidelined by a toe injury, Kelly was asked to captain the side and he steered New Zealand to a 1-1 level after Bangladesh completed a six-wicket victory in the decisive third match at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on May 2.
Kelly on captaining in Latham’s absence
Speaking after the series-ending game, Kelly said the experience came as a surprise and that he appreciated the honour even though it was brief.
- Kelly said he “loved it” and noted that once he boarded the plane for the tour, captaincy was not something he had even considered.
- He acknowledged it was unfortunate for Tom Latham to miss out, while also stressing that leading New Zealand in two T20Is was a “massive” opportunity.
- Kelly added he may not get the chance again, so he is “just trying to suck it up” and genuinely enjoyed the stint.
Series context: confidence boost and managing a depleted squad
Kelly suggested that drawing the series would be a significant confidence lift for the visitors, especially because many first-choice players were unavailable.
- New Zealand arrived in Dhaka without 18 of their top players, with the group’s absence linked to commitments in the IPL and PSL.
- Kelly said the situation helped the team build squad depth, particularly during a time of year when major franchise tournaments naturally keep some players away.
- He described it as a “niggly” challenge to juggle players coming in and out, but insisted it is “great” because it strengthens the pool of options.
- Kelly highlighted that the tour provided younger or less-experienced players with a chance to play international cricket.
Taking opportunities and making an impact
Kelly also explained how he views opportunities on overseas tours and what players should do when they get their moment.
- He said the key is to take opportunities when they arrive, even if they are rare.
- Kelly emphasised that consistent domestic performance is important, so that when an international chance does come, players can seize it.
- He noted that when multiple players “put their hand up” and only a couple of spots might be available on the next tour, the best course is to score runs and take wickets when the opportunity is given.
- Kelly added that he believes “a couple of guys” have already done exactly that.
Impressed by Clarkson and Jacobs as New Zealand closed the tour strongly
Kelly said he was especially impressed by Josh Clarkson and Bevon Jacobs, crediting the duo for helping New Zealand finish the tour with confidence.
In the third T20I, the match was reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain. New Zealand dismissed Bangladesh for 102 runs in 14.2 overs, with Clarkson playing a leading bowling role by taking 3 wickets while conceding 9 runs. Jacobs then struck a breezy unbeaten 62 off 31 balls to help the chase conclude with Bangladesh winning by six wickets.
Kelly’s read on New Zealand’s turnaround
- Kelly said New Zealand discussed the previous match at length, focusing on areas they got wrong or did not quite execute.
- He singled out death bowling as a major factor in the improvement.
- Kelly praised Clarkson, saying his plans were clear and he executed them “beautifully”.
- On Jacobs, Kelly described him as a “very, very clean ball striker,” adding that the batter works hard in nets and can hit the ball a long way.
- Kelly said it was “cool” for Jacobs to get in and then deliver power at the end, helping the team secure victory.
- He also pointed to the middle-overs partnership involving Jacobs and Dean Foxcroft as they navigated a tough period.
Depth and confidence for the next time around
- Kelly said the win puts pressure on players who were previously in the team, because they are “there for a reason”.
- At the same time, he said it builds strong depth for New Zealand.
- He added that players will be unavailable again due to injury or other reasons, and when replacements step in on similar tours, they will carry confidence from having already proved themselves.
Kelly concluded that the experience—both the leadership challenge and the performances during the rain-affected finale—underscored how New Zealand can respond when key names are missing and how squad depth can be turned into results.
