Key players out as New Zealand reveal squad for West Indies

A host of key players are sidelined due to injury as New Zealand revealed a 14-player squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series at home against the West Indies.

Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring) are all missing due to injury, with fast bowler Kyle Jamieson and spinner Ish Sodhi among the players included for the series that commences in Auckland on Wednesday.

Former skipper Kane Williamson is also missing after he announced his retirement from the shortest format on Sunday, with all-rounder Mitchell Santner to captain the side once again ahead of next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Uncapped pacer Nathan Smith is included in the squad and could earn a T20I debut, while fellow quick Matt Henry is left out with an eye on the ODI and Test series with the Caribbean side.

New Zealand coach Rob Walter is looking forward to he series against the West Indies, which will be the side's final series prior to the T20 World Cup that is scheduled to take place early next year.

“It’s great to have five opportunities to take on a dangerous side like the West Indies,” Walter said.

“I know the team is looking forward to getting into the rhythm of a full series and building some momentum following the rain-affected series to start the summer.

“The T20 World Cup is coming closer and I know it will be on people’s minds, but we need to make sure our focus is on this series at home and playing well in front of our fans."

New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi

Series schedule:

First T20I: Auckland, November 5
Second T20I: Auckland, November 6
Third T20I: Nelson, November 9
Fourth T20I: Nelson, November 10
Fifth T20I: Dunedin, November 13