New Zealand has announced a strong 15-member squad for a one-off Test match against Afghanistan and a two-game Test series versus Sri Lanka scheduled for September 2024.
The one-off Test against the Afghanistan team will be played in Greater Noida, starting September 9. Meanwhile, the two games against Sri Lanka will be played at Galle, beginning on September 18 while the second one is scheduled to start on September 26.
New Zealand’s squad for the subcontinent Test series: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.
Tim Southee will continue to lead the side, which also has the likes of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham. These three matches are very important for the Kiwis in their quest to reach the World Test Championship final. Tim Southee’s side are currently third in the standings.
As New Zealand looks to create good memories in this all-important subcontinent Test series, we will look at three takeaways from their squad.
#1 Spin heavy attack
The New Zealand squad reflects a strong emphasis on their spin bowling. As the sub-continent pitches are known for assisting spinners, the Black Caps have included five spinners in their team: Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips.
Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel will have to play a massive role if the Kiwis have to win the games. Ajaz has played in 16 matches, taking 62 wickets. In 2021, during a Test match against India at Wankhede Stadium, he took 10 wickets in an innings. He will be supported by Mitchell Santner. The left-arm spinner has 53 wickets to his name in 26 games.
The Black Caps have spin all-rounders in the form of Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips.
All three players can change the complexion of the game through their all-round skills. New Zealand will be hoping that their spinners will have a good time in the coming series.
#2 Light pace attack
Captain Tim Southee will lead the New Zealand pace attack. The right-arm seamer has played 100 games, picking up 380 wickets. In Asia, Southee has bagged 58 wickets in 17 games.
Matt Henry is another name on the list of pacers. Henry has picked up 95 wickets in 25 Tests. However, the pacer has only played in three games in Asia, taking eight wickets.
The Black Caps have also included two young pacers in their squad. Will O'Rourke has only played two Test games in his career. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Ben Sears made his debut earlier this year in a game against Australia. It’s likely that both the young players will be benched through the three games.
#3 Balanced team composition
Overall, the New Zealand side looks very balanced. Though they have a light pace attack, it’s highly likely that only Tim Southee will play, considering the fact that the Black Caps might go with four spinners.
The batting lineup boasts some impressive names; leading the charge will be former captain Kane Williamson. The right-handed batter scored 8,743 in 100 games, including 32 centuries.
With no captaincy pressure, Kane will be looking to create an impact with his bat. He will be supported by Tom Latham, the vice-captain of the team.
Daryl Mitchell will be the center of attention. He has played some brilliant knocks in the last couple of years for the Black Caps in every format. Daryl has scored 1,608 runs in 23 Tests at an average of 50.25.
The New Zealand fans will be hoping that the right-handed batter will give them some moments to cherish in the coming series.
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