The much-anticipated return of fast bowler Matt Henry will happen in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan. This is two months after he was forced to miss the World Cup in India because of a leg injury. Henry’s body will be put to the test this Friday (January 5) at the Super Smash event, where he plays for the Canterbury Kings. Next week, he will join the national team.
Kane Williamson is also on the 13-person team and is leader. The experienced hitter was supposed to play in the T20Is against Bangladesh, which would have been his first game in that format since November 2022. However, he was later taken off of that series as a safety measure and to help him handle his work load. He has agreed to not play in the third T20I, which will be played in Dunedin. Mitchell Santner will take over as captain for that match.
The Black Caps will also get opener Devon Conway back after taking a break for the Bangladesh series. Lockie Ferguson will also be back for the last three games of the series after missing the first two because of an ankle injury. So, fast bowler Ben Sears, who is 25 years old, will only be able to play in the first two games before Ferguson comes back.
Kyle Jamieson will still be out because he is still healing from a leg injury, and Michael Bracewell is still healing from a heel injury. Trent Boult and James Neesham are also not in the team because they have match responsibilities on the T20 circuit.
Squad:
Kane Williamson (c) [games 1, 2, 4 & 5], Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson [game 3 only], Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson [games 3, 4 & 5], Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears [games 1 & 2], Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
“With just three T20I series left before the T20 World Cup, all matches are vitally important for our preparation,” head coach Gary Stead said. “It’s great to be welcoming back Matt, Devon, Lockie and Kane. They’re four quality players in their own right and their skills and experience will bolster our side.”
The first game of the five-match series will be played at Eden Park on January 12.
