New Zealand have announced the return of skipper Mitchell Santner and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra to the side for the upcoming T20I series against England at home. Both players were absent from the recent high-octane series against Australia, but their return brings a significant boost to the Black Caps.
Santner missed the Australia series following recovery from abdominal surgery, while Ravindra had been ruled out after suffering a facial injury. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson will sit out the upcoming home T20I series against England; however, the veteran batter is targeting a return for the subsequent ODI series.
“Kane had to overcome a minor medical issue in the past month, and we agreed he needs some more time to get himself physically ready to return. He’s obviously a world-class player, and we’re hoping these two weeks will ensure he’s ready for the ODIs against England and the following tour by West Indies,” New Zealand coach Rob Walter said.
Pacer Ben Sears was left out due to a left-hamstring injury. And Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O'Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring) were all unavailable due to injury.
New Zealand's squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert.