New Zealand cricket has declared a potent team that consists of five bowlers who can spin for an upcoming Test series with one-off Afghanistan and two Sri Lanka matches.
The Black Caps, third in the ICC World Test Championship ranking, play against Afghanistan at Greater Noida, India from September 9 to 13 while they travel to Sri Lanka for games on September 18 and 26.
Leading fast bowler Tim Southee will be the captain of the squad which includes others like key players such as Kane Williamson Devon Conway Glenn Phillips Rachin Ravindra. Tom Latham will serve as his deputy.
Head coach Gary Stead hinted at possible rotation of players including Southee depending on difficult conditions in subcontinent. “Test tours to the sub-continent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity,” Parami News quoted Stead. “Tim and I have discussed the need to balance workloads during these overseas tours to ensure the team is best served.”
All-rounder Michael Bracewell returns to New Zealand lineup after an absence of 18 months having suffered Achilles injury and a fractured finger. Bracewell will also be joined by left-arm spinners Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, part time spinners Phillips, Ravindra who all share responsibility for spinning performance
New Zealand Squad: Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Wil O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glen Phillips Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson Will Young.
“Michael had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate from his injuries and force his way back into BLACKCAPS across all three formats,” said Stead. “His all-round skills and ability to take the ball away from the left-hander make him a great asset, especially on what we expect will be turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka.”
Pace bowlers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears were given their first overseas Test call-ups. The 23 year old O’Rourke made an impressive debut against South Africa whereas Sears debuted versus Australia earlier this year.
New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka is seen as crucial for their World Test Championship campaign. “We know how important the points in Sri Lanka will be to our chances of pushing for a final spot in England next year,” Stead added.
The combination of senior players and young blood in this squad shows New Zealand’s inclination to adapt and do well under difficult sub-continental conditions. Their focus remains on securing a place in the World Test Championship final.
