IND vs NZ 2017: New Zealand Recall Ross Taylor For T20Is
Oct 31, 2017 at 11:18 AM
New Zealand’s veteran batsman has been rewarded for a fine show in the recently-concluded One-Day International series against India with a recall for the T20I team for the upcoming three-match series against the same opposition.
The 33-year old, who scored a fine 95 in the ODI series-opener, last played a T20I in 2016 World T20 when New Zealand exited the tournament with a loss against England. The right-handed batsman will replace injured leg-spinner, Todd Astle. Astle, who was also ruled out of the ODI series, is ruled out of the T20Is too after suffering a groin strain during the warm-up game against Board President’s XI in Mumbai. Astle was in fine form during the One-Day series between India A and New Zealand A, taking six wickets at an impressive average of 27.83.
Expressing his disappointment over Astle’s absence, New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson feels Taylor’s addition will add experience to the group.
“Ross [Taylor] is in good form as well. He gives us another option through the middle order. It’s a real shame for Todd, but it will be nice to have Ross’ experience in the group,” Hesson said.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will be looking to bounce back in the forthcoming series after the heartbreaking loss in the ODIs. Currently the number one T20I side in the world, New Zealand have a hundred percent record against India in the shortest format of the game and will be eyeing to maintain that record.
“We’re No. 1 in the world at the moment (for T20). We’ve got the bulk of the squad we’ve had for a while with some fresh and exciting faces as well. Once again, it’s a tough challenge here playing India in India,” Hesson said.
The series will start on November 1.
New Zealand T20I squad:
Kane Williamson (c), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips (wk)
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