Major names return for New Zealand's series against England
Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra will feature for New Zealand in the upcoming home T20I series against England.
Black Caps T20I skipper Mitchell Santner and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra are back in the New Zealand lineup for the upcoming home assignment against England. Both players had missed the recent T20I series against neighbouring rivals Australia.
While Santner returns to lead the side after having recovered from an abdominal surgery, Ravindra also makes his comeback after having missed cricket due to a facial injury.
Every Rachin Ravindra boundary | Champions Trophy 2025
Every Rachin Ravindra boundary | Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, star batter Kane Williamson will miss the T20Is against England due to a minor medical issue, but targets a return for the following ODI series.
Head coach Rob Walter hoped that Williamson recovered in time for New Zealand's future engagements.
"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."
Sheer brilliance from Kane Williamson | IND v NZ | Champions Trophy 2025
Sheer brilliance from Kane Williamson | IND v NZ | Champions Trophy 2025
Further, Pacer Ben Sears is missing from the lineup following a left hamstring injury during training last week.
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 pace bowling group would comprise of Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jimmy Neesham. Along with Santner, Michael Bracewell would lead the spin department, with experienced Ish Sodhi missing out.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert will don the gloves.
Jimmy Neesham ends an incredible New Zealand innings with a SIX! | T20WC 2022
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.
England's tour of New Zealand:
Oct 18 - 1st T20I, Christchurch
Oct 20 - 2nd T20I, Christchurch
Oct 23 - 3rd T20I, Auckland
Oct 26 - 1st ODI, Mount Maunganui
Oct 29 - 2nd ODI, Hamilton
Nov 1 - 3rd ODI, Wellington