We joke, of course.
But the Black Caps squad named for the ODI series against Pakistan features three former Otago cricketers who left the Volts to try their luck with Wellington and are now internationals.
Nick Kelly is the latest to add his name to that list.
The Australian-born left-hander, who has also played for Northern Districts, spent three seasons with the Volts before joining Wellington in 2022-23.
He joins Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith, who made their international debuts after leaving Otago and linking with Wellington.
Kelly will be on debut and he will be joined by exciting Wellington all-rounder Muhammad Abbas in the squad.
Southlander and Otago spearhead Jacob Duffy has retained his spot following some strong performances in the T20 series.
Kelly’s selection follows an impressive season captaining the Firebirds. He has been the standout batter on the domestic scene.
The 31-year-old, who is set to open the batting alongside Will Young, has scored 1307 runs across all three formats this summer.
He leads the run-scoring charts in this season’s Plunket Shield with 749 runs, including four centuries.
Abbas, who featured for New Zealand A against Australia A last season, had a memorable Ford Trophy campaign, scoring 340 runs at 42.50.
Abbas immigrated from Pakistan with his family to New Zealand when he was a toddler and is the son of Azhar Abbas, who played first-class cricket in Pakistan as well as for Auckland and Wellington, and is the Firebirds assistant coach.
The 21-year-old all-rounder is a highly-rated white-ball prospect and will add middle-order batting depth to the squad, as well as an additional left-arm seam bowling option.
With ODI regulars Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips unavailable due to IPL commitments, the squad features a blend of high-potential young players and experienced internationals.
Eight of the squad which reached the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai earlier this month are back, including Tom Latham, who will captain the side in the absence of Santner.
Will O’Rourke, who returned for the final two T20 internationals after a break to manage his workload, will lead a four-prong pace group that includes Duffy, Smith and Ben Sears.
Matt Henry has been ruled out of the series due to shoulder and knee injuries.
Kyle Jamieson, who featured in the first three T20s against Pakistan, will also miss the series as the selectors continue to manage his workload.
Kane Williamson was not considered for selection after making himself unavailable.
Gary Stead will lead the Black Caps coaching staff, alongside batting coach Luke Ronchi, while NZC development coach Graeme Aldridge will join as bowling coach and Jacob Oram takes a break.
The ODI squad assembles in Napier tomorrow, ahead of the first ODI at McLean Park on Saturday.
Black Caps
ODI squad
Tom Latham (captain), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young
