NZ vs PAK: New Zealand announces squad for Pakistan T20I series & there are some special inclusions in the announced squads. New Zealand Cricket included Matt Henry & Lockie Ferguson in the lineup as they have recovered from their respective injuries. On the other hand, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway also return after periods of rest as New Zealand named a full-strength squad for the five-match T20I series against Pakistan at home. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was rested as he has been in action since August 2023.
Meanwhile, Henry was out of action for two months after injuring his right hamstring during the World Cup 2023 fixture against South Africa in Pune. He will make a comeback to the field in a Super Smash fixture against Central Districts on January 5 before joining the New Zealand squad of 13 in Auckland next week.
Matt Henry selected for Pakistan T20I series
Though Henry has been selected for all five T20Is, Ferguson who suffered an Achilles during the World Cup has been included for the last three T20Is. Ferguson will then take to the field from Auckland for three Super Smash games over the next two weeks before joining the New Zealand squad. Fast bowler Ben Sears has been included in the first two T20Is.
Williamson who was rested for Bangladesh ODIs & T20is will miss the T20I series against Pakistan as he will monitor his knee injury. He will take back the captaincy reins for the last four matches of the series. Uncapped Central Districts batter Josh Clarkson has been called up as cover for the third T20I with Mitchell Santner set to stand in as captain.
NZ vs PAK: Gary Stead’s take on New Zealand Squad for Pakistan T20Is
Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, expressed his enthusiasm about the return of Matt, Devon, Lockie, and Kane. He emphasized the significance of having these four skilled and experienced players back in the squad. According to him, their presence will strengthen the team, and with only three T20I series remaining before the T20 World Cup, every match holds crucial importance for the team’s preparation.
Stead also explained the reason behind resting rising star Rachin Ravindra who has played cricket continuously in the last five months. Ravindra was the fourth-highest run-scorer at the World Cup and was later picked up by CSK at the IPL auction for INR 1.8 crore (US$ 216,000 approx.
Gary Stead talked about Ravindra rested for the NZ vs PAK Series
In addressing the situation, Gary Stead highlighted the significance of prioritizing the well-being of Rachin, a young player of immense value to New Zealand Cricket. Notably, Rachin stands as the sole player or staff member who has undergone continuous tours spanning the last five months across five different countries—a circumstance deemed unsustainable. Despite the current break, Rachin remains firmly embedded in their considerations for the T20 World Cup in June. The plan is for him to re-enter contention for the T20 series against Australia in February, underlining the team’s commitment to managing his workload and overall welfare.
The remaining squad was on similar lines that had drawn the T20I series against Bangladesh last week. Kyle Jamieson & Bracewell were rested for the series as they are still recovering from injuries. While Trent Boult & James Neesham were unavailable due to overseas T20 league commitments. The first match of the five-match t20I series will be played in Auckland on January 12 followed by matches on January 14, 17, 19 & 21
NZ vs PAK: NZ squad for Pakistan T20Is
Kane Williamson (capt) (except game 3), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson (game 3 only), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ben Sears (games 1 & 2), Lockie Ferguson (games 3, 4 & 5)
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