New Zealand Cricket has announced its squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against India which is part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. The series will begin on October 16 at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The visitors have been hit by a major blow as their star batter Kane Williamson will delay his departure to India due to a groin strain. Williamson, who experienced discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, requires a period of rehabilitation before joining the squad.
Meanwhile, uncapped batter Mark Chapman has been called up to the squad as cover. The series will also see Tom Latham leading the side as full-time Test captain for the first time. The new change in captaincy comes after Tim Southee stepped down from the role following the recent 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka.
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Hopeful that if rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available: Sam Wells
Black Caps selector Sam Wells commented on Williamson's situation. The selector mentioned the step was taken so that the injury does not aggravate. Well is optimistic that the right-hand batter will have a smooth rehabilitation and come for the latter stage of the series.
"The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury. We're hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour," he said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The squad will see some rotation during the series, with all-rounder Michael Bracewell available only for the first Test in Bengaluru before returning home for the birth of his second child. Ish Sodhi will replace Bracewell for the remainder of the series, giving the side an additional spinning option.
The rest of the roster remains unchanged from the last Test series against Sri Lanka. Former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath will also travel to India with the Kiwis as part of the coaching staff following his consultancy work as a spin-bowling coach in Sri Lanka.
After the first Test in Bengaluru, the side will travel to Pune for the second Test starting on October 24. The subsequent Test will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 1.
New Zealand squad for three-match Test series vs India:
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
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