New Zealand has assembled a pace-heavy 16-member squad for their five-match T20I series against India, with seven fast bowlers included in the group for a contest expected to test India’s batting on bowler-friendly surfaces.
The five-match series begins on October 22, marking the first meeting between India and New Zealand since their T20 World Cup final clash in Ahmedabad in March, which India won by 96 runs.
Thirteen members of New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad have retained their places. Michael Bracewell and Adam Milne return after missing the tournament because of injuries, strengthening an already deep bowling unit.
The seven pacers in the squad are Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne and Nathan Smith. Former New Zealand quick Trent Boult had previously suggested that conditions in October and November could offer assistance to fast bowlers.
That could make the series an interesting examination for Shreyas Iyer’s side, particularly if the pitches provide movement and bounce. New Zealand’s bowling options cover different styles, with experienced names such as Henry, Ferguson and Milne joined by Jamieson, Duffy, Foulkes and Smith.
The series is also part of a larger 12-match India tour featuring five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expects strong interest around the contests, with several matches expected to draw large crowds.
“It’s going to be awesome to welcome India to our shores and get summer underway,” Walter said. “India is a quality team and a challenging opposition, so to take them on in our own conditions in front of Kiwi fans is really exciting.”
Walter also described the squad as close to full strength and said he was looking forward to seeing how New Zealand perform against the reigning T20 world champions.
One notable absentee is Rachin Ravindra, who suffered a shoulder injury during a promotional shoot. Walter said New Zealand would avoid rushing his recovery, while expressing optimism that he could return for the ODI series.
For India, the five-match T20I series will therefore offer a different challenge from their previous meeting with New Zealand. With seven fast bowlers in the opposition squad and conditions expected to assist pace, the opening phase of the tour could put India’s batters under sustained pressure.
