CHRISTCHURCH: In the lead-up to the Twenty20 World Cup, Kane Williamson is set to captain New Zealand in a three-match series against Bangladesh, marking his return after missing the last T20 series due to a knee injury. All-rounder Jimmy Neesham and seamer Ben Sears, set to make his international debut on home soil, join the squad.
Notably absent are Devon Conway, rested for the series, and several players ruled out due to injuries, including Michael Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Henry Shipley. Trent Boult opted not to make himself available for selection.
Coach Gary Stead emphasized the ongoing planning for the World Cup, stating, “While we’re advanced in our planning … there is certainly still time for players to come into that mix.”
The series kicks off in Napier on Dec. 27, followed by two matches in Tauranga on Dec. 29 and 31. The Twenty20 World Cup is scheduled for June in the West Indies and the United States.
Squad:
– Kane Williamson (captain)
– Finn Allen
– Mark Chapman
– Kyle Jamieson
– Adam Milne
– Daryl Mitchell
– James Neesham
– Glenn Phillips
– Mitchell Santner
– Ben Sears
– Tim Seifert
– Ish Sodhi
– Tim Southee
