ICC World Test Championship final: New Zealand name 15-member squad
The New Zealand cricket squad has been announced for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final against India, starting June 18. The Kane Williamson-led outfit has the presence of Ajaz Patel, who has been named as a specialist spinner. Meanwhile, Devon Conway, who had a brilliant Test series against England, is included as well. Here are further details.
New Zealand have left out the likes of Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner. They were part of the squad for the two-Test series against England. "There's had to be some tough calls with Mitchell and Daryl victims of the fierce competition we currently have for places in the Test side," head coach Gary Stead said.
The @BLACKCAPS have named a 15-member squad for the #WTC21 Final 👇 pic.twitter.com/g2T4XNCrMW
— ICC (@ICC) June 15, 2021
NZ skipper Williamson missed out on the second Test against England as an issue on his elbow resurfaced. The star batsman had received an injection on his elbow. Williamson's elbow has been bothering him of late but the Kiwi management is confident he will recover in time. Besides, Williamson, Stead is also confident about BJ Watling making it after an injury.
Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.
Stead, who had rested Colin de Grandhomme for the second Test against England, lauded the all-rounder. He said Grandhomme is expected to his job if called upon, being a top-notch performer. The Kiwi coach also highlighted the benefits both Williamson and Watling enjoyed from their week of rest and rehabilitation. Both players are expected to be fit and ready for the WTC final.
Selecting a team with the right balance will be a test for Stead and Williamson. In the bowling segment, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner are favorites. Matt Henry has been superb but could miss out. Ajaz could play as the spinner. Grandhomme may miss out with Kyle Jamieson being the preferred all-rounder and a fourth pace-bowling option for the side.
NZ have gone atop the ICC Test Rankings, leapfrogging Team India. New Zealand thrashed England in the second Test match at Edgbaston. They dismissed England for 303 in the first innings and then took a crucial 85-run lead (388/10). England (122/10) suffered a collapse in the second innings, allowing the visitors to chase down a paltry target of 38 with eight wickets to spare.
