Image Source: Reuters
[Saba Sports News] On Tuesday, February 13, New Zealand Cricket unveiled their 14-player lineup for the upcoming T20I series against Australia, introducing all-rounder Josh Clarkson to the T20I scene for the first time and welcoming back fast bowler Trent Boult after a hiatus since November 2022.
Boult is set to join the squad for the latter two matches, stepping in for Tim Southee to manage his workload in preparation for the following Test series starting February 29. Absences in the squad include all-rounder Daryl Mitchell due to a foot injury and key player Kane Williamson, who is on paternity leave. Additionally, Michael Bracewell couldn’t be considered because of a finger injury, and Jimmy Neesham is participating in the Bangladesh Premier League 2024.
New Zealand’s chief selector, Sam Wells, acknowledged the challenge of heading into a significant series without Williamson and Mitchell but expressed strong confidence in Clarkson and Ravindra’s abilities to step up.
The series is set to kick off at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on Wednesday, February 21, with subsequent matches at Auckland’s Eden Park on February 23 and 25. The New Zealand squad for the series includes Mitchell Santner as captain, along with notable players such as Finn Allen, Trent Boult (for the second and third matches), and others, highlighting the blend of experience and fresh talent ready to face Australia.