Veteran left-arm pacer Trent Boult has returned to New Zealand’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia at home. Trent Boult will be part of the national team in the shortest format of the game after a 15-month break.
Trent Boult He will join the team for the second and third matches of the series, having last appeared in this format during the 2022 World Cup against Pakistan. Pacer Tim Southee is scheduled to play in the first T20I to manage his workload ahead of the Test series.
Trent Boult’s last appearance for New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup
The left-arm fast bowler secured eight wickets in five matches at an average of 18.50 during the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Overall, Trent Boult has amassed 74 wickets from 55 T20Is at an average of 22.5. He last played for New Zealand at the 2023 World Cup.
Kane Williamson to miss T20I series due to paternity leave
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will be absent from the series due to paternity leave, with Mitchell Santner stepping in as interim captain. Additionally, the team will be without the services of all-rounder Daryll Mitchell, who is sidelined due to a foot injury.
Rachin Ravindra and all-rounder Josh Clarkson have been included in the 14-member squad. With Williamson absent, Clarkson is expected to make his debut for New Zealand in the T20Is. Ravindra is currently displaying his all-round skills in the Tests against South Africa.
It’s great to have Rachin Ravindra – Chief Selector
Chief selector Sam Wells expressed confidence in the team despite the absence of key players. Sam Wells praised Josh Clarkson for his batting prowess and his promising bowling performance in his first ODI series against Bangladesh.
“It’s never ideal to lose two of your best players for such an important series, but in saying that, we have a lot of faith in the guys coming up. “Both Josh and Rachin have been on our white ball teams this summer and it is really exciting for them to now have this opportunity.” Sam Wells said.
“Josh hits the ball as long and hard as anyone and we were encouraged by his performance with the ball in his first ODI series against Bangladesh before Christmas. Rachin’s talent and class have been clear to everyone over the last six months and, like Josh, it is great to have his well-rounded skillset to draw on in this team.” he added.
New Zealand will face Mitchell Marsh-led Australia in three T20Is, with the first match scheduled to begin on February 21 at Wellington’s Sky Stadium. The two teams will take part in a two-match Test series after the conclusion of the T20I matches.
New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult (games 2 and 3), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk) , Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (game 1)
Also read: Trent Boult makes a 180-degree turn after choosing to play as an independent player; T20 World Cup in sight
