New Zealand Name 13-Member Squad For Sri Lanka Tests


image-lepbe02gNew Zealand defeated England by 1 run in Wellington Test [Source: Twitter]

In a major development, New Zealand have retained the thirteen-member squad, which took the field in the second Test against England in Wellington, for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. 

Despite recording two successive single-digit scores, Will Young has made it into the squad. While the likes of Tom Latham, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell, along with the legendary Kane Williamson, will shoulder the batting responsibilities, skipper Tim Southee will spearhead the bowling attack alongside Matt Henry and the experienced Neil Wagner. 

Meanwhile, it is worth a mention that Conway and Henry are recovering from minor injuries. But they will likely be fit and available for selection for the first Test as confirmed by none other than the BlackCaps head coach Gary Stead. 


Here's what Stead said

"Yeah, Devon just had a little bit of an abductor strain. Given the softness of the outfield, he could've done a lot more damage to it. So, we will keep assessing him over the next couple of days, but we are positive that he will remain fit and available for Sri Lanka Series,

"Matt Henry was a bit locked up in the lower back, but the physio did magic with his fingers and hands and he has come through strongly and feels good this morning. So, everything is positive about those two being available for the next Test."


New Zealand squad for Sri Lanka Tests

Tim Southee (C), Tom Blundell (wk), Kane Williamson, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Blair Tickner, Henry Nicholls, Scott Kugguleijn, Michael Bracewell, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell

New Zealand are high on confidence, as they are coming on the back of an epic one-run win over England in the recently concluded Wellington Test. 

On the other hand, the series will be crucial for Sri Lanka, as they will give their all to whitewash the hosts and make their case stronger to feature in the WTC final. 

The much-anticipated series starts on March 9, with the first Test scheduled at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.