New Zealand announce their squad for upcoming series against India
The Cricket World Cup is right around the corner, and before heading into cricket's most prestigious tournament, all competing nations will be eager to try out their squads in ODI series. While India prepare for their last match in the ongoing Australia tour, New Zealand, the country they will be visiting next, have already announced their 14-man squad for the series. Here's more.
New Zealand have selected their best possible team
Tom Latham and Colin de Grandhomme have found their way back into the squad after being rested against Sri Lanka. Kane Williamson will also feature in the series this term, and so will bowling sensation Trent Boult. After being out of action for 10 months due to an injury, Mitchell Santner will also be back in action against India.
Here's New Zealand's full squad for the India series
Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, and Ross Taylor make up the full 14-man squad.
New Zealand coach: Team selected with World Cup in mind
According to New Zealand coach Gary Stead, the squad was selected keeping in mind the cricket World Cup. "Our two main priorities have been to select and prepare a squad capable of winning what is shaping as a massive series against India, and gathering as much information as possible ahead of the World Cup," Stead said. The World Cup begins from May 30.
India's complete schedule for the New Zealand series
India will take on the Black Caps in a five-match ODI series starting from January 23 (Napier), followed by matches on January 26 (Mount Maunganui), January 28 (Mount Maunganui), January 31 (Hamilton), and February 3 (Wellington). The T20I series commences from February 6 (Wellington), followed by ties on February 8 (Auckland), and February 10 (Hamilton).
India won in the last series against New Zealand
The last time India and New Zealand met was in October-November 2017 when the Kiwis visited India, and the hosts won both the ODI and T20I series 2-1 each. The Black Caps will be eager to avenge the loss this time, especially with India playing in their backyard.
