New Zealand pace bowler Adam Milne recorded figures of 2 for 34 in 3 overs as the hosts defeated Bangladesh by 28 runs on DLS method in the second T20 match at McLean Park, Napier
Adam Milne was overwhelmed with the emotions as he made his return to the international side after two and a half years. Milne last played for New Zealand in November 2018 in a T20I against Pakistan. Since then the string of injuries including Stress fracture on his ankle, had kept him away from international cricket.
It was really cool, really special. It almost felt like it was a debut in a way, after so much time off. There was plenty of nerves, it was really cool to be back wearing the black jersey. I think there’s nerves in any cricket match. It is part and parcel of playing the game. You always want to go out there and do well.
Milne, as per ESPNCricinfo said.
The speedster added that he wants to be a part of the New Zealand team in the T20 World Cup in India later this year. He’s looking forward to working on his bowling in the subcontinent conditions in the IPL stint with defending champions Mumbai Indians.
You want to be a part of any ICC tournament for New Zealand. I have played the T20 World Cup before in India. It is definitely a goal. For that I have to keep on the park and play some good cricket.
Any time you get to play in those conditions that the World Cup is in, it is a huge positive. You have to play well in different conditions in different countries. India is completely different to what we have here, so we have to bowl differently with different plans.
Milne added.
Milne excited to pair with Lockie Ferguson
Adam Milne replaced Lockie Ferguson in the second T20 as the latter was rested but Milne was quite excited with the prospect of two quicks forming a genuine fast bowling partnership at some point.
Having guys who bowl really fast is really exciting. England have had (Jofra) Archer and (Mark) Wood and they have done well together, bowling fast. I would love to bowl with Lockie (Ferguson) at some stage.
The Black Caps seem to be heading in the right direction in regards with the T20 team construction. If NZ finds a way to play these two together along with Trent Boult, a specialist new ball bowler, their bowling attack could become a lot deadlier and difficult to deal with. Especially for teams who struggle against high-end pace and movement.
A Stint with Mumbai Indians
Adam Milne made his return to competitive cricket after an injury with the Big Bash League earlier this year. Later he was picked by the five-time IPL winners, Mumbai Indians. Incidentally, Milne was last signed by Mumbai franchise in 2018 as a replacement player for injured Pat Cummins but couldn’t get a game.
This time around though, he’s very likely to get opportunities as Mumbai’s only other pace option apart from Boult is Nathan Coulter-Nile, who hasn’t been in best of form. Milne on the other hand, has been one of the best T20 pacers going around in the last few years. Since 2017, the speedster has taken 53 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 7.6 in T20 cricket.
With the likes of Shane Bond and Zaheer Khan in Mumbai’s support staff, Milne will get to hone his skills further. He’ll be determined to do well alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult in the upcoming IPL.
