NEW ZEALAND TOUR OF INDIA, 2023
Santner has captained New Zealand in 10 T20Is. © AFP
Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in the three-match T20I series against India which follows the three ODIs. The 15-member squad also includes uncapped left-arm swing bowler Ben Lister, who has received his maiden New Zealand call-up, along with all-rounder Henry Shipley who recently made his ODI debut against Pakistan, with both standing a chance of a T20I debut.
Shipley was the leading wicket-taker in the previous season of Super Smash while Lister, since his debut for Auckland towards the end of 2017, has been the team’s leading wicket-taker in white-ball cricket. Lister made his New Zealand A debut in India last year but his tour was cut short when he was hospitalised in Bengaluru with pneumonia.
New Zealand T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rippon, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner
Speaking about Lister’s selection, chief selector Gavin Larsen said: “Ben has made an exciting impact for Auckland early in his career in red and white ball cricket. Since his debut in late 2017, he is the Aces’ leading wicket taker in T20 and List A cricket. His ability to swing the ball considerably as a left-armer is particularly exciting.”
“We all felt for Ben after his tour ended the way it did last year, and it’s a testament to his work ethic that he’s been able to return to domestic cricket so strongly this season,” he said.
Larsen also said that Santner, who has captained New Zealand in 10 T20Is, will be “invaluable” with his knowledge of the Indian conditions and prior leadership experience. “Mitch is a leader in our white ball teams and has captained the T20 side in India before. His experience in Indian conditions will be invaluable leading this group.”
Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne and Ben Sears were unavailable for selection as they are recovering from injuries. Kane Williamson and Tim Southee won’t be part of the New Zealand team travelling to India, with the two travelling back to New Zealand after the Pakistan series along with head coach Gary Stead and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen. Luke Ronchi will taking over the lead coach’s role during the limited-overs tour of India.
The three T20Is will be played on January 27, January 29 and February 1 in Ranchi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad respectively.
© Cricbuzz
