Black Caps missing key players from T20I squad to face Windies

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (CMC):

SEVERAL KEY players are missing from New Zealand’s squad, which will face West Indies in a five-match T20I series beginning today.

Injuries have ruled out Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring) while former skipper Kane Williamson is also missing after he announced his retirement from the shortest format on Sunday.

Fast bowler Matt Henry has also been left out with an eye on the ODI and Test series with the Caribbean side.

Mitchell Santner will captain the side once again that includes fast bowler Kyle Jamieson and spinner Ish Sodhi while uncapped pacer Nathan Smith is in line to earn a T20I debut.

New Zealand coach Rob Walter is looking forward to the series against the West Indies, which will be the side’s final series prior to the T20 World Cup that is scheduled to take place early next year.

“It’s great to have five opportunities to take on a dangerous side like the West Indies.

“I know the team is looking forward to getting into the rhythm of a full series and building some momentum following the rain-affected series to start the summer,” Walter said.

“The T20 World Cup is coming closer, and I know it will be on people’s minds, but we need to make sure our focus is on this series at home and playing well in front of our fans.”

NEW ZEALAND SQUAD

Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.