New Zealand has named a strong squad for their upcoming Test series, featuring five spin bowling options, to take on Afghanistan in a one-off match and Sri Lanka in a two-match rubber. The one-off Test against Afghanistan will be played in Greater Noida, India, from September 9-13, while the Black Caps will then travel to Sri Lanka for the two ICC World Test Championship (WTC) matches, commencing on September 18 and 26 respectively.
Veteran pacer Tim Southee will lead the side, which includes notable players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. Tom Latham continues to serve as the vice-captain. However, head coach Gary Stead has hinted at the possibility of the captain sitting out a game or two depending on the match conditions.
Stead acknowledged the challenges that sub-continent pitches and weather conditions pose for pace bowlers. He emphasized the importance of having all bowling options available across the series. “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,” Stead said. “While we’re going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests. “Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the work-loads of the pace bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served,” he added.
Spin bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell makes a welcome return to the squad after an 18-month absence due to an Achilles injury followed by a broken finger in February. Bracewell will join forces with left-armers Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and part-timers Glenn Phillips and Ravindra in the spin department.
“Michael had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate from his injuries and force his way back into the Black Caps across all three formats,” Stead said. “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,” he added.
Pacers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears have earned maiden overseas Test call-ups. The 23-year-old O’Rourke impressed with 11 wickets in his first two Test appearances, including the best match figures by a New Zealander on Test debut (nine for 93 v South Africa in February) before a groin injury forced him out of the second Test against Australia. Sears, on the other hand, made his debut in the second Test against Australia in March, taking four for 90 in the second innings.
New Zealand currently sits in third place in the ICC WTC points table, trailing last edition’s finalists, Australia and India. “We know how important the points in Sri Lanka will be to our chances of pushing for a final spot in England next year. We managed one win from the two Test series in challenging conditions in Bangladesh last December and are keen to build on that. “The whole squad is looking forward to test their skills in the longest form of the game in the sub-continent,” Stead said.
