We believe Finn Allen has skills to succeed at next level: NZ selector Gavin Larsen

Fresh from a successful Super Smash T20 campaign, Finn Allen has been handed his first international call-up for the T20 series against Bangladesh. The wicketkeeper-batsman displayed glimpses of promise in the recently concluded NZ domestic T20 tournament. Turning up for Wellington Firebirds, he finished as the leading run-getter with 512 runs at an average of 56.89 in 11 matches. However, it was his strike rate of 193.94 that stood out among all his statistics. The 21-year-old played a vital role in Firebirds clinching the title with his explosive display of batting at the top of the order. Shortly thereafter, Allen was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore as a replacement for Josh Philippe, who opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons. 

The Blackcaps selector, Gavin Larsen, believes that Finn Allen has all the goods to prosper in the international circuit. 

“It’s especially an exciting time for Finn, who will be getting his first taste of the Black Caps environment. His Super Smash campaign with the Firebirds was nothing short of outstanding and we believe he has the skills to succeed at the next level.“ - Garvin Larsen said in a media release. 

Veteran pacer Tim Southee will take charge of the ship in the absence of Kane Williamson. The three-match T20I series gets underway on 28 March at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. Allen will join the RCB camp immediately after the culmination of the T20I series. With BCCI authorizing the bubble-to-bubble transfer of players, the members of the NZ T20 bubble - Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Finn Allen - won't have to undergo a quarantine period. 

[New Zealand Cricket inputs]