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Ireland Tri-Nation Series 2017: New Zealand’s Hamish Bennett relishes return to international cricket

The 30- year-old, who made his previous ODI appearance in January 2014, made an impressive return to the national side with telling figures of three for 31 in 10 tight overs against Bangladesh.

Bennett revealed he had never imagined that he would get another opportunity © Getty Images (File Photo)
Bennett revealed he had never imagined that he would get another opportunity © Getty Images (File Photo)

Johannesburg: New Zealand fast bowler Hamish Bennett has relished his successful return to international cricket after three years as he spearheaded his side to a comfortable four-wicket win over Bangladesh in a thrilling tri-nation ODI match in Dublin on Wednesday. The 30- year-old, who made his previous ODI appearance in January 2014, made an impressive return to the national side with telling figures of three for 31 in 10 tight overs against Bangladesh. Talking about his return, Bennett revealed he had never imagined that he would get another opportunity to make his way back to the international stage. Ireland Tri-Series 2017: NZ release Wagner from squad

“To be honest, I never thought I was going to get another game. I guess I burgled a few [wickets] at the end, which is always nice. You get lucky at the death; it either goes one way or the other,” Sport24 quoted Bennett as saying. Going into his first match after return, the fast bowler said his plan was to try to put the ball in good areas and make the opposition play hard shots.”Luckily, it went my way today. My main job was just to try and attack, but on that slower surface it was just about trying to put the ball in good areas and try and make them play hard shots,” he explained. Bennett has also been named in the New Zealand squad for the Champions Trophy, beginning June 1 in England and Wales.

“It’s a good thing for the lads who are going to Champions Trophy, and then the other guys who are unlucky not to be going to Champions Trophy to really put a stamp on and show the Black Caps staff why they should be in the team regularly,” Bennett said.

Bennett will aim to continue his impressive return in international cricket when New Zealand take on Ireland in their next tri-series clash on May 21.

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