Quick bowler Matt Henry has been added to New Zealand’s T20I squad to tackle Pakistan following a break on account of a hamstring damage.
Having been sidelined through the Cricket World Cup 2023, Henry is now gearing up for his comeback in home cricket this Friday earlier than becoming a member of the 13-player New Zealand squad for the five-match collection commencing on 12th January.
The 32-year-old joins skipper Kane Williamson and left-hand batter Devon Conway, each making their return after sitting out through the Bangladesh leg of their residence summer time.
Williamson shall be absent for the third T20I of the collection to handle a persistent knee concern that has troubled him for the previous 12 months. Uncapped participant Josh Clarkson has been introduced in as cowl for the match, and Mitchell Santner will step up as captain. Rachin Ravindra shall be on the sidelines, whereas Lockie Ferguson is poised to rejoin the squad in the direction of the top of the collection.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead has emphasised the Pakistan collection with a T20 World Cup across the nook.
“With simply three T20I collection left earlier than the T20 World Cup, all matches are vitally essential for our preparation.
“Beginning the collection off at Eden Park (Auckland) on a Friday night time shall be a terrific event and one I do know the workforce will relish.”
Ben Sears has been included for the opening two matches to accomodate for Ferguson, whereas Kyle Jamieson and Michael Bracewell sit out, recovering from hamstring and achilles damage respectively. Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham had been unavailable for choice.
The New Zealand T20I squad for Pakistan will meet in Auckland on 9 January.
Squad: Kane Williamson (c) (matches 1, 2, four and 5), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson (match Three solely), Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson (matches 3, four and 5), Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears (matches 1 and a pair of), Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
Tour Itinerary
1st T20I – January 12, Eden Park, Auckland
2nd T20I – January 14, Seddon Park, Hamilton
third T20I – January 17, College Oval, Dunedin
4th T20I – January 19, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
fifth T20I – January 21, Hagley Oval, Christchurch