New Zealand names squad for Sri Lanka tour

New Zealand has unveiled a strong 15-player squad for their upcoming Test matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka next month. The squad includes a balanced mix of spin and pace bowlers, with five spinners selected to tackle the challenging sub-continental conditions.

The core of the squad remains similar to the one that faced Australia earlier this year, where New Zealand suffered a 2-0 defeat at home. Veteran fast bowler Tim Southee will once again lead the team, which features key players like Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and the experienced Kane Williamson.

Supporting Southee in the pace attack are Matt Henry, Ben Sears, and Will O’Rourke. New Zealand’s spin options are bolstered by Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and Michael Bracewell, with Phillips and Ravindra available as part-time spinners.

With spin expected to play a crucial role in the sub-continent, New Zealand coach Gary Stead hinted that Southee and the other fast bowlers may not feature in every match, depending on the conditions.

“Test tours to the sub-continent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity. While we’re going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests,” Stead said.

“Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the workloads of the pace-bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served,” he further added.

New Zealand’s tour begins with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida, India, starting on September 9. They will then travel to Sri Lanka for two ICC World Test Championship matches, scheduled for September 18 and 26.

These matches are crucial for New Zealand as they aim to secure a spot in next year’s World Test Championship final. The Kiwis currently sit in third place in the standings, behind India and Australia.

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

New Zealand squad: 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