This Tuesday, New Zealand announced its 15-man squad for the final match of the WTC final against India, in Southampton from June 18-22
The maiden World Test Championship started from August 1, 2019. While the Men in Blue qualified for the final by finishing on top of the points table, the Kiwis claimed the second spot. Read on to know about the 15 Kiwis who will square off with India this Friday.
New Zealand Squad For World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2021
Among the 15 Kiwis who will go against India in the WTC Final are Captain Kane Williamson, fast bowler Tim Southee, wicketkeeper BJ Watling and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme. Williamson and Watling did not play in the second match against England due to injury.
“Kane and BJ have certainly benefited from their week of rest and rehabilitation and we expect them to be fit and available for the final,” said coach Gary Stead. He was also glad to see Colin return to Lord’s after a long injury lay-off. He’s been an integral part of New Zealand’s Test set-up for many years. “He’s a proven performer at the top level and we back him to do a job with the bat or the ball if called upon,” Stead added.
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Five players including Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner have been cut from the original 20-man squad for the tour that was part of the two-match series against England. New Zealand have also preferred Ajaz Patel – who took four wickets across the two Tests against England – over Mitchell Santner as the specialist spinner.
Following is New Zealand’s full 15-man squad. Kane Williamson, Tom Blendle, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.
As for playing against India, Stead acknowledged that India are a world class outfit who possess match winners all through their line-up. “So we’re under no illusion about how tough they will be to beat,” he added.