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Santner Unfit, Williamson Out As New Zealand Announce Squad For T20Is Vs Australia

Kaushik Kashyap

Mitchell Santner and Kane Williamson. [Source - @criccrazyjohns/x.com]Mitchell Santner and Kane Williamson. [Source - @criccrazyjohns/x.com]

In a significant development, New Zealand have named a 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, starting October 1 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. With the T20 World Cup being just a few months away, the series offers both teams a valuable opportunity to test their combinations against quality opposition in preparation for the mega event in India and Sri Lanka.

Santner Continues Recovery, Bracewell Steps Up as T20I Captain

Michael Bracewell will lead the Blackcaps as regular white-ball captain Mitchell Santner continues his recovery from abdominal surgery last month. The squad appears well-balanced, blending experience with youth, as New Zealand look to build on the momentum from their recent triumph in the Zimbabwe Tri-Series. 

The series promises to be a good test for the Blackcaps against a solid Australian unit that they have announced earlier this month.  The 2021 champions will be arriving in strong form, having recently defeated both the West Indies and South Africa. Meanwhile the focus for New Zealand will be finding the right combination ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Williamson Unavailable, Injury Woes, but New Zealand Field Potent T20I Squad

At the top, Devon Conway is expected to continue his role as an anchor, partnering in-form Tim Seifert. With Finn Allen sidelined by a foot injury and Kane Williamson unavailable, the middle order will rely heavily on Daryl Mitchell’s solidity and the young Rachin Ravindra. Their performances could prove pivotal in setting the tone for the host with the bat.

In the bowling department, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy remain the standout pacers, while Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears have been included in absence of Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, and Will O’Rourke due to fitness. Spin duties will rest with Ish Sodhi and skipper Bracewell in absence of Santner, offering control in the middle overs.

New Zealand T20I squad vs Australia

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.