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New Zealand Cricket has recently decided to withdraw two key players, Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson, from their forthcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. This move is part of a strategy to ensure both players are fully fit and ready for the upcoming Test series against South Africa and Australia.
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Williamson, 33, who was initially slated to lead the Kiwis in the T20I series, made a return to competitive cricket in the World Cup after dealing with injury issues for about seven months. However, as a precaution, the experienced batsman will now step aside from the T20I series. In his place, Mitchell Santner will assume the captaincy role for the series against Bangladesh.
Jamieson, facing his own fitness concerns, particularly with his hamstring, will also be absent from the T20I series. New Zealand Cricket has opted not to risk his participation, prioritizing his recovery and fitness for the more demanding Test series ahead.
"We want both Kane and Kyle to be in the best possible place leading into the next block of Test cricket against South Africa and Australia. Based on discussions with the medical staff and the players it was decided a period of rehabilitation and conditioning was the best option for both of them," NZ coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying.
To fill the gaps left by Williamson and Jamieson, New Zealand has called up fast bowler Jacob Duffy and the versatile all-rounder Rachin Ravindra. These inclusions are expected to bring fresh energy and talent to the team as they prepare to face Bangladesh.
"Jacob is an experienced T20 cricketer and always brings a lot when he is part of the Black Caps environment. He's worked very hard on his white ball skills in recent seasons. Rachin adds to any environment he's a part of and has a great desire to learn and develop his game - across all three formats," Stead added.
The series against Bangladesh is scheduled to start with the opening T20I on Wednesday, December 27, at McLean Park in Napier. Following this, the teams will head to Mount Maunganui, which will host the remaining two matches of the series on December 29 and December 31, respectively.
New Zealand squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
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