A couple of months ago, Matt Henry was ruled out during the ODI World Cup Series 2023 due to a hamstring injury. Now, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Kane Williamson have returned to the squad to play T20I against Pakistan which is set to commence on January 12. Henry is set to make his competitive return in the Super Smash also on Friday (January 5), where he will take the field for Canterbury Kings against Central Stags at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. He will join 13 member squad
Lockie Ferguson is set to return to competitive cricket after recovering from an Achilles injury. He will play 3 Super Smash matches for Auckland Aces before joining the squad. Ferguson has been picked for the last three matches of the five-match series. Kane Williamson will also return to lead the series, while Devon Conway will join the team after missing a few games due to the Bangladesh tour. However, Williamson will miss the 3rd match of the series to recover from his knee injury. Uncapped Josh Clarkson has been added as cover in his absence.
Several players have been sidelined due to injuries, including Kyle Jamieson, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury picked up during the UAE T20Is. Trent Boult and James Neesham have made themselves unavailable due to T20 league commitments. Michael Bracewell, who has missed the World Cup, will take part in this season's Super Smash. Rachin Ravindra has been rested after being on the pitch since August.
Speaking of the squad Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead said, “It’s great to be welcoming back Matt, Devon, Lockie and Kane."
“They’re four quality players in their own right and their skills and experience will bolster our side. Starting the series off at Eden Park on a Friday night will be a great occasion and one I know the team will relish."
“With just three T20I series left before the T20 World Cup, all matches are vitally important for our preparation.”
Speaking of Ravindra's omission, Stead said, “Rachin’s a young player who has immense value to New Zealand Cricket and we therefore want to look after his wellbeing.
“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.”
Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
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