NZ coach Stead to manage pacers’ workloads against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka

WELLINGTON: Tim Southee will captain New Zealand’s 15-man squad for their trip to face Afghanistan and Sri Lanka next month but may not play in all three tests with head coach Gary Stead keen to manage workloads in tough conditions.

The Black Caps will play a one-off match against Afghanistan in India in Noida from Sept. 9 before travelling to Sri Lanka to take on the hosts in two World Test Championship clashes starting on Sept. 18 and Sept. 26.

Swing bowler Southee took only six wickets in four home Tests last season and New Zealand have also included pace bowlers Matt Henry, Ben Spears and Will O’Rouke in the squad.

“Test tours to the subcontinent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity,” Stead said. “While we’re going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different tests.

“Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the workloads of the pace bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served.”

It will be the Black Caps’ first cricket since crashing out of the T20 World Cup in the group stages last June following a shock defeat to Afghanistan.

O’Rourke and Sears are set to play their first overseas Tests. O’Rourke, 23, took nine wickets for 93 on his debut against South Africa in February.

Sears, 26, debuted in March with five wickets in a defeat to Australia.

“It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance,” said Stead. “I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the sub-continent.”.

All-rounder Michael Bracewell returns to the Test squad for the first time since injuring his Achilles tendon, then breaking a finger. He played one-day internationals in Pakistan last April and was in the T20 World Cup squad.

“Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the Black Caps across all three formats,” Stead said.

World-class batsman Kane Williamson has also been included in an experienced top order alongside veteran openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham.

Stead has opted for five spin options in Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.

The three September Tests begin a busy four-month period for New Zealand, who play three games against India in October and November before hosting three games with England in December.

Squad: Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2024

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