New Zealand has named a strong squad for upcoming matches in September. The squad includes five spin bowling options for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, India from September 9-13, and for the two-match series against Sri Lanka starting on September 18 and 26.
Tim Southee will lead the team, supported by players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, with Tom Latham as the vice-captain.
Head coach Gary Stead has hinted that the captain might have to sit out a game or two if conditions call for a different balance.
The coaching staff is prepared for the challenges of the sub-continent due to the nature of the pitches, heat, and humidity. They aim to balance the workloads of the pace bowlers, considering the playing conditions. Spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell has returned to the squad after being sidelined for 18 months due to injuries.
He will join left-armers Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and part-timers Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra in shouldering the spin duties.
Pacers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears have been given their maiden overseas Test call-ups. O’Rourke claimed 11 wickets in his first two Test outings, including the best match figures by a New Zealander on Test debut, before being sidelined due to a groin injury.
Sears debuted in the second Test against Australia in March, claiming four wickets in the second innings. The team is currently in the third spot in the ICC World Test Championship points table, and they understand the importance of securing points in Sri Lanka to boost their chances of reaching the final in England next year. The squad is looking forward to testing their skills in the toughest form of the game in the sub-continent.
The squad comprises Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.