India vs New Zealand | Kane Williamson returns to lead New Zealand in India T20Is
After an unimpressive display in the Sri Lanka T20I series, Henry Nicholls has been left out of the squad for the upcoming T20I series against India, as Kane Williamson returned to lead the side. Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell and Blair Tickner have earned their maiden call-ups to the New Zealand squad.
The ongoing ODI series has been a really forgettable one for the Kiwi side who have lost all three games to concede the series to India, with two matches to go. India's was the performance of a well-oiled unit and the hosts would really have to pull up their socks big-time in order to challenge the home side in the T20I series.
In a bid to achieve that, New Zealand cricket handed all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and fast bowler Blair Tickner their maiden call-ups to the squad for the T20I series against India. While Mitchell will be a part if all the three games, Tickner will join the squad for the third T20I, replacing Lockie Ferguson.
Mitchell has been an impressive performer for the Northern Districts in the Super Smash competition this summer and his 61 off 23 against Central Districts last week might have been the reason for selectors instant recognition.Ā
"Daryl has shown his value with the bat and also tends to bowl at some tough times for the Knights, and Blair is well-respected among his team-mates and opponents alike as someone who bowls a heavy ball at good pace," New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said.
The team that locked horns with Sri Lanka last month had Henry Nicholls as the stand-in skipper, but this time Kane Williamson will lead the side with the former being left out of the squad. Glenn Phillips and Seth Rance also failed to find a spot in the team while Trent Boult has again been granted some rest so as to manage his workload for the upcoming World Cup.
New Zealand Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson (Games 1 & 2), Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner (Game 3)
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