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The BlackCaps on August 12 announced a 15-man squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan which is scheduled to be played from September 9 in Greater Noida. All-rounder Michael Bracewell is making a comeback after a long hiatus of 18 months.
The one-off Test is not a part of the current World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. After facing Afghanistan, they will head to Sri Lanka for two-Test series. Their next challenge will be against India in the three-Test series starting in October. They will fly back home to play a three-Test series against England.
Head coach Gary Stead is happy to have Bracewell back. The right-arm off-spinner took a fifer against Sri Lanka in his last appearance in whites for the BlackCaps.
“It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance and I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the sub-continent,” Stead said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
“Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the BLACKCAPS across all three formats.
“His all-round skills, and ability to take the ball away from the left-hander make him a great asset, especially on what we expect will be turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka.”
Latham may captain to manage Southee’s workload
This will be the first overseas assignment in red-ball cricket for pacers Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears. Tom Latham retained his post as vice-captain. However, he may have to don the captain's hat on the long subcontinent tour to manage Tim Southee's workload.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the work-loads of the pace-bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served.”
Meanwhile, fast bowler Kyle Jamieson was not considered for selection because he was injured.
New Zealand Test squad for Afghanistan Test
Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young
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