New Zealand Cricket (NZC), on Sunday, announced their men’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham, who last played a game in the shortest format in 2021, has returned to lead the side.
Regular players like captain Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell, Finn Allen and Lockie Ferguson were not considered for selection as they have been given the green flag to play the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) starting March 31.
The T20I outfits feature two uncapped players – Chad Bowes and Henry Shipley. Notably, Shipley was part of the T20I squad that travelled to India earlier this year, while Bowes was selected for the first time in the format after his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in the Auckland ODI.
Similarly, senior all-rounder James Neesham has made his comeback to the T20 squad as well. Neesham missed the series in India and the home ODIs against Sri Lanka after he was given permission to play the SA20 and Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Tim Siefert has been named in the T20 squad for the home series against the Islanders but will miss the Pakistan tour as he and his wife await the birth of their first child. Likewise, the trio of Dane Cleaver, Cole McConchie, and Blair Tickner will be seen in the battle against the Men in Green.
“We saw against India earlier this season the power and range of shots that Tom possesses. His adaptability also means he can feature in a range of batting positions. He led an inexperienced T20 squad to Bangladesh in 2021, and we were really impressed with his leadership of that group during a COVID bubble tour. Players like Tim and Cole haven’t been around the squad for a little while, and I am sure they will bring good energy when they are involved. They have both earned their selection with strong domestic form this season,” said Black Caps head coach Gary Stead as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
New Zealand squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Tom Latham (c & wk), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Will Young
New Zealand squad for Pakistan T20Is: Tom Latham (c & wk), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Dane Cleaver, Cole McConchie, Blair Tickner.
