New Zealand, on Wednesday, announced their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India. The hosts have included uncapped duo – allrounder Daryl Mitchell and paceman Blair Tickner – in the squad. Both the players earned the calls after their impressive displays in the domestic T20 competitions.
In the ongoing T20 season, Mitchell has smashed 281 runs at a strike rate of 141 this season including a blistering 61 from 23 balls against Central Districts last week. Tickner has been in good form too and has taken 12 wickets at an average of 18.2 and economy rate of 8.42 this season.
Speaking on Mitchell and Tickner’s selection, New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said:
“Daryl has shown his value with the bat and also tends to bowl at some tough times for the Knights, and Blair is well-respected among his team-mates and opponents alike as someone who bowls a heavy ball at good pace,” Larsen said.
Skipper Kane Williamson is also returning to the team, replacing Henry Nicholls after missing the last assignment against Sri Lanka to take some rest. Allrounder Doug Bracewell, brought in as a replacement for the injured Jimmy Neesham ahead of the last T20 against Sri Lanka, has retained his place in the squad too. Glenn Phillips and Seth Rance, however, have lost their places while pace bowler Trent Boult has been rested.
The three-match T20I series will get underway on February 6 in Wellington. Both the teams are currently involved in the ODIs. India have already won the five-match series after winning the first three-games.
NZ T20 squad v India:
Kane Williamson (c), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson (Games 1 & 2), Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner (Game 3).
Schedule for the T20I Series:
1st T20 – February 6, Wellington
2nd T20 – February 8, Auckland
3rd T20 – February 10, Hamilton