New Zealand announces T20I squad for five-match England series; Kane Williamson's return delayed

The New Zealand Cricket selections announced a 14-member T20I squad for the upcoming five-match England T20I series, scheduled to start on Saturday, October 18, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Skipper Mitchell Santner and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra returned to the squad after missing out on the recently concluded T20I series against Australia. While Santner has recovered from an abdominal surgery, Ravindra missed the previous series due to a facial injury. 

On the other hand, Kane Williamson’s return has been further delayed due to a minor medical issue. However, the former New Zealand skipper is targeting to return for the three-match ODI series, as disclosed by the head coach Rob Walter.

"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,” Rob Walter said.

While Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jimmy Neesham form the pace battery, Santner and Michael Bracewell will lead the spin department in the absence of Ish Sodhi, the veteran spinner.

Furthermore, the star pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series following his left hamstring injury. Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring) have been ruled out of the series.

New Zealand T20I squad vs England:

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 schedule: 

October 18: 1st T20I, Christchurch

October 20: 2nd T20I, Christchurch

October 23: 3rd T20I, Auckland

October 26: 1st ODI, Mount Maunganui

October 29: 2nd ODI, Hamilton

November 1: 3rd ODI, Wellington

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