Image Credit- Getty
With the smooth recovery of Matt Henry and Lockie
Ferguson from their respective ailments, as well as the return of Devon Conway
and Kane Williamson from periods of rest, New Zealand has chosen a
full-strength squad for the five-match T20I series against Pakistan at home.
Rachin Ravindra, an all-around player, took a break after travelling since
August of last year.
After hurting his right hamstring during the World Cup
match in Pune against South Africa, Henry missed two months of action. He will
play his first competitive game for Canterbury on January 5 in a Super Smash
T20 match against Central Districts. The following week, he will travel to
Auckland to join the New Zealand team of 13.
Ferguson has been included for the last three Twenty20
Internationals, despite Henry being selected for all five T20Is due to an
Achilles injury sustained during the World Cup. Over the next two weeks,
Ferguson will play three Super Smash games for Auckland before joining the New
Zealand team. Ben Sears, a fast bowler, has been selected for the first two
Twenty20 Internationals.
Williamson, who was rested for the Twenty20 and ODI
matches against Bangladesh, will not play in the third Twenty20 match against
Pakistan as he continues to assess his knee ailment. If not, he will assume
captaincy once more for the remaining four games. Mitchell Santner will fill in
as skipper while Josh Clarkson, an uncapped batter from Central
Districts has been called up as cover, in the third Twenty20
International.
“It’s great to be welcoming back Matt, Devon,
Lockie and Kane,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said. “They’re
four quality players in their own right and their skills and experience will
bolster our side. With just three T20I series left before the T20 World Cup,
all matches are vitally important for our preparation.”