Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra Set to Return for T20I Series Against England
New Zealand's T20I Squad Update
Wellington, New Zealand - October 12: The white-ball captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner, along with all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, is set to make a comeback for the upcoming T20I series. Meanwhile, star batsman Kane Williamson aims to rejoin the team during the ODI segment of the series.
The T20I series kicks off on October 18 at Hagley Oval, followed by a three-match ODI series starting on October 26.
Ravindra is returning to the squad after missing the recent series against Australia due to a facial injury. Santner, having recovered from abdominal surgery, will lead the team in the T20I matches, as confirmed by a statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Williamson, who just returned from overseas, is targeting a return to international play during the ODI series against England, which will take place in his hometown of Tauranga.
Unfortunately, Wellington Firebirds fast bowler Ben Sears will not participate in the England series due to a left hamstring injury sustained during training last week. An MRI scan has confirmed a hamstring tear, necessitating a recovery period of three to four weeks.
Jimmy Neesham, who performed well against Australia as a late replacement for Ravindra, has been included as the seam-bowling all-rounder. He will join a pace-bowling lineup that includes Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, and Kyle Jamieson.
In the spin department, Michael Bracewell will partner with Santner, resulting in Ish Sodhi being left out of the squad.
T20 wicketkeeper Tim Seifert will don the gloves and will be part of the same batting lineup that faced Australia.
NZ coach Rob Walter emphasized the significance of this series for the T20 team, stating, "It’s fantastic to have another world-class team visiting us after our match against Australia."
Walter expressed excitement about the style of cricket played by Harry Brook and his T20 squad, noting that the players are eager to embrace the challenge.
He also mentioned the anticipation surrounding the opening match at Hagley Oval, which is expected to sell out, promising a thrilling start to the series.
Walter welcomed the returns of Ravindra and Santner, and he looks forward to Williamson joining the squad later in the tour.
"It’s wonderful to have Mitch back. He is not only our captain but also one of the finest white-ball spinners globally, and his experience will be invaluable. Rachin, who missed out on the Australia series, is also excited to be back," he added.
"Kane had a minor medical issue recently, and we agreed he needs additional time to prepare physically. He is a world-class player, and we hope these two weeks will ensure he is ready for the ODIs against England and the subsequent West Indies tour."
"Ben experienced discomfort while bowling last Tuesday, and the resulting hamstring tear has ruled him out of this series. We wish him a swift recovery and hope to see him back soon," he concluded.
BLACKCAPS T20I Squad vs England
Mitchell Santner (C)
Michael Bracewell
Mark Chapman
Devon Conway
Jacob Duffy
Zak Foulkes
Matt Henry
Bevon Jacobs
Kyle Jamieson
Daryl Mitchell
Jimmy Neesham
Rachin Ravindra
Tim Robinson
Tim Seifert (wk)
Injuries have sidelined Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring).