NZ vs PAK: Kane Williamson to Lead New Zealand in T20I Series Against Pakistan

Kane Williamson was named on Wednesday to return from injury and lead New Zealand in their Twenty20 international home series against Pakistan.

World-class batter Williamson missed last month’s ODI and T20 series against Bangladesh while he rehabilitated a knee injury sustained nine months ago.

The 33-year-old recovered to play in the 50-over World Cup and a two-Test series in Bangladesh but was rested from white ball commitments last month as a precaution.

Williamson’s controlled return will include a rest in game three of the five-match Pakistan series starting on January 12.

Allrounder Mitchell Santner will lead the Black Caps in that match in Dunedin.

Opening batter Devon Conway returns after also missing both white ball series against Bangladesh, while pace bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson will both make their first international appearances since being injured during the World Cup.

Seamer Kyle Jamieson and spinner Michael Bracewell were not considered because of ongoing injuries while a notable omission from the 15-man squad is allrounder Rachin Ravindra, who scored 578 runs in a series of breakout innings at the World Cup.

Coach Gary Stead said Ravindra was in need of rest.

“Rachin’s a young player who has immense value to New Zealand Cricket and we therefore want to look after his wellbeing,” Stead said.

“He’s the only player or staff member to have been touring non-stop for the past five months across five countries and that’s simply not sustainable.

“He’s still very much part of our thinking for the T20 World Cup in June and will come back into the reckoning for the T20 series against Australia in February.”

In terms of player who are missing, NZC clarified that Kyle Jamieson wasn’t considered as he continues to rehabilitate a hamstring injury, while Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham were unavailable due to overseas T20 league commitments. Michael Bracewell was also not considered for selection as he continues his recovery from an achilles injury.

New Zealand Squad for Pakistan T20I Series:

Kane Williamson (c) (games 1,2,4 & 5)

Finn Allen

Mark Chapman

Josh Clarkson (game 3 only)

Devon Conway (wk)

Lockie Ferguson (games 3,4 & 5)

Matt Henry

Adam Milne

Daryl Mitchell

Glenn Phillips

Mitchell Santner

Ben Sears (games 1 & 2)

Tim Seifert (wk)

Ish Sodhi

Tim Southee

New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I Schedule

1st T20I – Fri, Jan 12, Eden Park

2nd T20I – Sun, Jan 14, Seddon Park

3rd T20I – Wed, Jan 17, University Oval

4th T20I – Fri, Jan 19, Hagley Oval

5th T20I – Sun, Jan 21, Hagley Oval

(With inputs from Agencies)