Hamish Bennett - New Zealand - Bowler

Hamish Bennett is a young New Zealand fast bowler who made his debut in international cricket against Bangladesh in October 2010. He had earlier represented the Black Caps in the junior team when he was one of the squad members in the U-19 World Cup in 2005.

Still trying to get a foothold in international cricket, Hamish Bennett made a promising start to his career with 20 wickets in his first 12 matches at an average of just over 20. He also made his test debut against India in 2010 but was hampered by an injury. Hamish made comeback to the New Zealand National side after 3 years, when he played the 3rd ODI against India at Auckland in January, 2014. He played two games in that series and picked up 3 wickets but was overlooked for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

The injury-prone Bennett is a vital cog of Canterbury's attack. They clinched their third Plunket Shield title in four years despite suffering a seven-wicket loss to Wellington in Christchurch. The winner of the 2016-17 season was decided after defending champions Auckland conceded a three-wicket defeat to Central Districts.

Bennett played an important role for Canterbury to win the double - Plunket Shield as well as the Ford Trophy in the 2016-17 season. His bucket full of wickets, and with most of the players being rested, earned him a call-up for the New Zealand ODI squad for the tri-series in Ireland, invovling the hosts and Bangladesh.

By Akshay Maanay