New Zealand have named a fresh-look squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan, with Michael Bracewell appointed as captain.
The series, which kicks off in Christchurch on Sunday, sees Bracewell take the helm temporarily, as regular captain Mitch Santner is unavailable due to domestic T20 commitments.
Bracewell, who led New Zealand during their white-ball tour of Pakistan last year, will have the opportunity to captain on home soil for the first time. He expressed his excitement at the responsibility, noting the honour of captaining the side and the strong support they have received from fans.
"I really enjoyed leading the side in Pakistan last year, and it’s great to have many players from that squad back in the team," Bracewell said. "I’ll be working to build on Mitch Santner’s great leadership and create a positive environment for the team."
The squad features six players from New Zealand’s Champions Trophy campaign, including returning players Ish Sodhi and Ben Sears, who have missed recent series. Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke are available for the first three matches, while Matt Henry, who topped the wicket-taking charts at the Champions Trophy, will join the squad for the final two games, subject to fitness checks.
New Zealand's selectors are also keeping an eye on next year’s ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, with selector Sam Wells emphasising the need for players to commit to the build-up for the event. Several key players, including Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, and Glenn Phillips, are unavailable due to other commitments.
Full squad for the series includes:
Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (matches 4-5), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (matches 4-5), Kyle Jamieson (matches 1-3), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke (matches 1-3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.
T20I series dates
1st T20I: Sunday, 16 March, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
2nd T20I: Tuesday 18 March, University of Otago Oval, Dunedin
3rd T20I: Friday 21 March, Eden Park, Auckland
4th T20I: Sunday 23 March, Bay Oval, Tauranga
5th T20I, Wednesday 25 March, Sky Stadium, Wellington
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