NZ banking on Neesham's PSL experience for success against Pakistan

New Zealand fast bowler, Adam Milne, is aiming to impress the selectors during the upcoming Pakistan tour, with the hope of being included in the team for the World Cup 2023 schedule in India later this year. 

Milne, who made a successful return to international cricket this summer after recovering from injuries, has played 42 ODI's and 38 T20 internationals for New Zealand.

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The fast-bowler is confident that he can learn from the environment and conditions, as well as lean on the experience of Neesham and other players who have previously played in Pakistan.

"Obviously Jimmy Neesham has played there recently in the PSL (Pakistan Super League) and a few of the guys obviously played the test and one-day series (in January), so we'll certainly be leaning on those guys and learning about the environment and conditions," he said.

The 30-year-old  believes that a strong performance in the sub-continent conditions of Pakistan could be the key to his selection for the World Cup squad.

"I'd love to be a part of the World Cup team," he said.

"The Pakistan one-dayers are obviously a good test in sub-continent conditions, so if you can perform there then you put yourself in with a chance to get picked which I'd love to do," he added.

Milne is currently on the cusp of selection, with Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Trent Boult ahead of him on the list of fast bowlers. 

However, the selectors have shown they are willing to consider non-contracted players, with Jimmy Neesham recently being selected to play against Sri Lanka. Milne has a mature head on his shoulders, having made his international debut in 2010.

Adam has faced several injuries in the past, including an achilles injury in Europe and a hamstring injury during the home series against India in November. He missed the white ball series in Pakistan and India in January, but a strong showing domestically resulted in his return to the international arena. 

"I've had a bit of a past with injuries so it's definitely one game at a time for me," he said.

"I'm just trying to enjoy playing for New Zealand and so the tour of Pakistan will hopefully give me that opportunity. I'm just trying to keep on top of the body, keep it strong and healthy," Milne added.

"The more I play games the more consistent my bowling gets so it's just trying to find those ways to keep me on the park.... it's just about being smart with my body," he concluded.

The New Zealand team is set to play five T20 Internationals and five ODI's against Pakistan, starting from April 14th in Lahore.

Milne has never played in Pakistan, and he and Matt Henry are the two most experienced bowlers on the tour.