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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday, October 9 announced 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against India. The series is set to commence from October 16 with the first Test scheduled to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, followed by a match at MCA (Pune) and Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai) from October 24 and November, respectively.
After Tim Southee stepped down as New Zealand’s Test captain, Tom Latham will lead the Black Caps in the Test tour of India. Moreover, New Zealand have been dealt with a blow as the side might miss former skipper, Kane Williamson in the Bengaluru Test. However, the side have included the likes of Tim Southee, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, among others as it remains more or less unchanged from the Sri Lanka tour.
In absence of Kane Williamson, uncapped Mark Chapman has been added to the squad. Furthermore, all-rounder Michael Bracewell will be available for the first Test only before he heads back for the birth of his second child, with Ish Sodhi replacing him for the remainder of the series.
Kane Williamson doubtful for first Test; Mark Chapman roped in
Former Test captain, Kane Williamson remains doubtful for the opening Test of the series due to a groin injury, which he suffered during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Moreover, New Zealand Cricket has informed that Williamson will not travel with the side, with Mark Chapman joining the team as his cover.
“Williamson experienced groin discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will require a period of rehabilitation before joining the BLACKCAPS Test squad n India,” New Zealand Cricket said in a press release. “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,” Black Caps selector, Sam Wells said.
“We’re hopeful that is the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour. While it’s obliviously disappointing to not have Kane available from the start of the tour, it provides an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series,” Wells further added.
New Zealand’s Test squad for India series
Tom Latham (Captain), Tom Bundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rorke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
