Trent Boult is expected to make his T20I return to the New Zealand squad for the three-match impending series against Australia.
The veteran pacer, who abstained from T20I action since November 2022, has been named to the squad for both the second and third matches, which are scheduled to take place in Auckland. Tim Southee will play only the initial Twenty20 International in order to manage his exertion prior to the two-match Test series. He will replace Southee.
Rachin Ravindra and uncapped all-rounder Josh Clarkson are also members of the 14-man squad. Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, who are both sidelined on paternity leave due to foot injuries, were both unavailable for selection.
“It’s never ideal missing two of your best players for such a big series, but in saying that, we do have a lot of faith in the guys coming in,” selector Sam Wells said. “Both Josh and Rachin have been in our white-ball squads this summer and it’s really exciting for them to now get this opportunity.
“Josh hits the ball as long and as hard as anyone and we were encouraged by his performances with the ball in his maiden ODI series against Bangladesh before Christmas.
“Rachin’s talent and class has been clear to all over the past six months, and similar to Josh, it’s great to have his all-round skill-set to call on in this squad.”
Additionally, Jimmy Neesham (Bangladesh Premier League) and Michael Bracewell (finger injury) were ruled out.
Squad:
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult (games 2 & 3), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (game 1)
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