NEWS
Follow UsNew Zealand pacer Trent Boult returns to the T20 International (T20I) squad for the series against Australia. He is in line to play his first game for the Blackcaps in the format since November 2022. He will be available to play the second (February 23) and third (February 25) T20I in Auckland, replacing Tim Southee, who will play just the first game in Wellington on February 21.
On the other hand, batter Kane Williamson will miss the entire series as he will be away on paternity leave. Mitchell Santner will lead the side in his absence. He recently led the side in the T20Is against Pakistan and Bangladesh at home.
The 14-member squad also consists of Rachin Ravindra and uncapped all-rounder Josh Clarkson.
Daryl Mitchell was not considered for the series as he is currently nursing a foot injury, while Michael Bracewell (finger injury) and Jimmy Neesham (Bangladesh Premier League) were also unavailable for selection.
"It's never ideal missing two of your best players [Mitchell & Williamson] for such a big series, but in saying that, we do have a lot of faith in the guys coming in," selector Sam Wells said. "Both Josh and Rachin have been in our white-ball squads this summer and it's really exciting for them to now get this opportunity.
"Josh hits the ball as long and as hard as anyone, and we were encouraged by his performances with the ball in his maiden ODI series against Bangladesh before Christmas.
"Rachin's talent and class has been clear to all over the past six months, and similar to Josh, it's great to have his all-round skill-set to call on in this squad."
New Zealand squad for T20Is vs Australia: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult (games 2 & 3), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (game 1)
