New Zealand has announced a full squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan at home. Captain Kane Williamson and Devon Conway returned to the New Zealand team after taking a break from the white-ball series against Bangladesh.
Bowler Matt Henry, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 2023 World Cup, has been included in the T20 squad. The 32-year-old will return to action for Canterbury Kings against Central Stags in a Dream11 Super Smash contest in Christchurch on Friday.
Matt Henry will then join the Black Caps squad ahead of the series opener against Pakistan. The first T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, January 12. The series will conclude with the final match on January 21.
Kane Williamson to miss third T20I against Pakistan
Kane Williamson He will not be available for the third T20I and Mitchell Santner will lead in his absence. Uncapped Josh Clarkson has been brought in as coverage for Kane. Josh Clarkson could make his T20I debut during the third T20I of the upcoming series.
Rachin Ravindra He was not considered, since he has been with the team since the beginning of August. Ferguson, recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, will join the team for the final three T20Is. Ben Sears has been included in the team for the first two games of the series.
New Zealand T20I Team against Pakistan
Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee .
Kyle Jamieson was not considered due to his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham were unavailable due to overseas league commitments. Michael Bracewell, recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, was also not considered for selection.
Rachin Ravindra will be taken into account again – Gary Stead
New Zealand coach Gary Stead emphasized that Rachin Ravindra will be considered for the series against Australia. Stead expressed his excitement at the return of senior players Matt Henry, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson and Kane Williamson.
“It’s fantastic to welcome Matt, Devon, Lockie and Kane. “They are four quality players in their own right and their skills and experience will strengthen our team.” Stead said.
“Rachin is a young player who is of immense value to New Zealand Cricket and we therefore want to look after his welfare.”
“He is the only player or staff member who has been touring non-stop for the last five months across five countries and that is simply not sustainable.”
“He is still part of our thinking for the T20 World Cup in June and will factor back into the T20 series against Australia in February.” he added.
New Zealand recently defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in the three-match ODI series at home in December. The New Zealand team managed to draw the three-match T20 series 1-1 with one match ending without result.
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