Southee To Lead; Williamson, Rachin Ravindra Included As NZ Name Squad For AFG And SL Series

New Zealand Squad announced (x)

New Zealand Cricket has announced a 15-member squad on August 12, 2024, for their upcoming Test assignments in the sub-continent, starting with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida, India. 

Followed by two crucial ICC World Test Championship matches against Sri Lanka in late September and October. Tim Southee will lead the squad, which sees the return of off-spinning all-rounder Michael Bracewell.

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New Zealand Announce Squad For Afghanistan, Sri Lanka Tests

Understanding the spin-friendly conditions in the sub-continent, New Zealand have included five spinners in the squad. 

Alongside Bracewell, the all-rounders Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips will provide spin options, with Ajaz Patel being the only specialist spinner. 

The squad's composition suggests that New Zealand will prepare for spin-heavy conditions, which might limit the role of their pacers.

These matches are critical for New Zealand's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final, as they currently sit third on the points table, behind India and Australia. 

After the series in Sri Lanka, New Zealand will face India in a three-match series in October and November, before returning home for another three-match series against England at the end of the year.

New Zealand's Squad For AFG And SL:

Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Test schedule:

Only Test v Afghanistan, Noida, September 9-13

First Test v Sri Lanka, Galle, September 18-22

Second Test v Sri Lanka, Galle, September 26-30

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