New Zealand has welcomed back Trent Boult for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia as part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup. The left-arm seamer will play in the second and third T20Is, marking his return to the national team since the 2023 ODI World Cup. Boult’s inclusion provides a significant boost to New Zealand, especially with regular captain Kane Williamson on paternity leave and premier all-rounder Daryl Mitchell undergoing rehab for a foot injury. The absence of Mitchell opens the door for a potential T20I debut for big-hitting all-rounder Josh Clarkson, who has impressed with a strike rate of 160.07 in the Super Smash, New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 tournament. Clarkson, elated by his call-up, has previously played three ODIs for New Zealand and showcased his bowling prowess during his debut series against Bangladesh.
The T20I series against Australia will also feature Tim Southee, who has been selected for the opening T20I, and Lockie Ferguson, returning after recovering from an injury. Matt Henry retains his place in the squad after an impressive performance against Pakistan in January. The series against a strong Australian team serves as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup scheduled for June in the USA and the West Indies.
New Zealand Selection Manager Sam Wells expressed excitement about facing Australia at home, emphasizing the series as an opportunity to assess both teams’ readiness for the upcoming World Cup. Mitchell Santner will captain the side in Williamson’s absence, while key players like Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, and Adam Milne are part of the squad. The series kicks off on February 21 at Sky Stadium in Wellington, followed by the last two games at Eden Park in Auckland. With Australia naming a robust squad packed with power and match-winners, the T20I series promises to be entertaining and a valuable gauge of the teams’ T20 capabilities leading up to the global event.
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