Bracewell returns as New Zealand announce squad for SL, AFG Tests

All-rounder Michael Bracewell will be in line to play his first Test since March 2023 as the 33-year-old has been named in New Zealand’s 15-man squad for the subcontinent stretch in September that will see the Blackcaps playing a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida before heading to Sri Lanka for two ICC World Test Championship matches.

Bracewell, who last played red-ball cricket for the Kiwis against Sri Lanka at home last year, missed over a year of action due to an Achilles injury. He did not feature in the 2023 ODI World Cup and also missed the Test series against Australia earlier this year. 

But the all-rounder, who successfully made his return to international cricket in the Pakistan T20Is in April and then the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States, is now all set to be re-integrated back into the Test side.

“Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the Blackcaps across all three formats,” coach Gary Stead said.

“His all-round skills, and ability to take the ball away from the left-hander make him a great asset, especially on what we expect will be turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka.”

The 15-member touring party, which will be led by Tim Southee, also features two young seamers in Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears, who impressed towards the end of New Zealand’s Test summer earlier this year.  While O’Rourke took nine wickets on his Test debut, Sears had the Aussies in all sorts in his maiden appearance, which came at the Hagley Oval at Christchurch.

“It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance and I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the sub-continent,” Stead said.

With Matt Henry, too, being part of the touring set up, Stead confirmed that there is a good possibility that skipper Southee might not feature in all matches.

“Test tours to the sub-continent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity,” he said.

“While we’re going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests.

“Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the work-loads of the pace-bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served.”

Tom Latham will serve as Southee’s deputy for the series. Ajaz Patel is also part of the squad. The group features other usual suspects in Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell.

After these three Tests, New Zealand will fly to India for a three-Test series against the top-ranked side in the world. There is a strong chance that the Blackcaps might pretty much carry the same squad to India for the three Tests starting from October 16.

New Zealand squad for Sri Lanka & Afghanistan Tests 

Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young

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