IND vs NZ: New Zealand Announce 15-Member Squad for India T20Is
Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson.
New Zealand, on Thursday, January 13 announced a 15-member squad for three-match T20I series against India, starting January 27 in Ranchi.
Mitchell Santner has been appointed the captain in the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson, who has been rested for the tour. Tim Southee has also been rested for the series.
Michael Rippon has also returned to the team after his debut against Scotland, while Henry Shipley, who recently made his international debut, in the first ODI against Pakistan has been added.
Left-arm pacer Ben Lister, who was named Auckland Cricket’s Men’s Bowler of the Year last season, has also earned a maiden call-up in the squad.
Meanwhile, the tall kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson (back), Matt Henry (abdomen), Adam Milne (side) and Ben Sears (back) have not been named in the squad due to their respective injuries.
New Zealand’s chief selector Gavin Larsen’s statement:
“Mitch is a leader in our white-ball teams and has captained the T20 side in India before. His experience in Indian conditions will be invaluable in leading this group.”
“Ben has made an exciting impact for Auckland early in his career in red and white ball cricket. Since his debut in late 2017, he is the Aces’ leading wicket-taker in T20 and List A cricket. His ability to swing the ball considerably as a left-arm is particularly exciting.”
“We all felt for Ben after his tour ended the way it did last year, and it’s a testament to his work ethic that he’s been able to return to domestic cricket so strongly this season.”
New Zealand will lock horns with India in three ODIs and as many T20Is. The series will kick start in Hyderabad with the first ODI set to be played on January 18. The other two ODIs will be played in Raipur and Indore on January 21 and 24. The T20Is will be played in Ranchi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad on January 27, 29 and February 1 respectively.
New Zealand’s Squad for India T20Is:
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rippon, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner
