NZ captain for IND series announced

New Zealand Cricket announced that all-rounder Mitchell Santner will serve as the team’s captain for the three-match T20I series against India, which will begin on January 27. Let us look at details on the NZ captain for IND series.

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Ben Lister, a left-arm swing bowler for the Auckland Aces, selected for the T20 squad that will tour India later this month, opening the door for a future international debut. Lister will be part of the national team for the first time after making his New Zealand debut. He made his New Zealand A debut in India late last year and was crowned Auckland Cricket’s “Men’s Bowler of the Year” the previous campaign.

Nine members of Santner’s team were on the T20 World Cup roster from the previous year, giving his team an experienced T20 cricket team.

2 new players added to squad

All-rounder Henry Shipley, who made his international debut in the ODI series against Pakistan, and leg-spinner Michael Rippon, who made his debut against Scotland during last year’s European Tour, are two players who are still relatively new to international cricket.

Gavin Larsen, a selector for New Zealand Cricket (NZC), said Lister impressed with his versatility in all areas of the game.

“Ben has made an exciting impact for (domestic side) Auckland Aces 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.” Larsen said Santner had impressed in his previous opportunities as captain of the T20 team. “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.” Luke Ronchi will be head coach of the squad with Bob Carter (batting), Paul Wiseman (bowling) and Trevor Penney (fourth coach) as his assistants.

Kyle Jamieson among top players to miss the series

Kyle Jamieson of the Auckland Aces (back), Matt Henry of the Canterbury Kings (abdominal), Adam Milne of the Wellington Firebirds (side), and Ben Sears of the Auckland Aces (back) were also ineligible for selection as they continue to recover from or manage injuries.

Continuing from the ODI series against India, Luke Ronchi will serve as the team’s head coach, assisted by Bob Carter (for batting) and Paul Wiseman (for bowling) from the NZC network, as well as Trevor Penney as a fourth coach.

After the three-match ODI series, which began on January 18 in Hyderabad, New Zealand will play the first T20I at Ranchi on January 27.

New Zealand T20 squad:

Mitchell Santner (captain), 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