Three frontline spinners in Nathan McCullum, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi have been named in the 15-man BLACKCAPS squad to travel to India for the ICC World Twenty20 in March.
ICC World Twenty20 Schedule
ICC World Twenty20 Squad
Kane Williamson (captain)
Corey Anderson
Trent Boult
Grant Elliott
Martin Guptill
Adam Milne
Mitchell McClenaghan
Colin Munro
Nathan McCullum
Henry Nicholls
Luke Ronchi (wicketkeeper)
Mitchell Santner
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
Henry Nicholls, who impressed in the recent ANZ ODI Series, is in line to make his Twenty20 International debut, and will provide the necessary cover for wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi.
Currently injured trio Tim Southee, Ross Taylor and Mitchell McClenaghan have all been named, and are expected to be fit for the tournament.
The BLACKCAPS are getting ready to take on the world again. Photosport
The need to have a well balanced squad for the conditions was imperative, coach Mike Hesson said.
“Henry has shown his talent and versatility with the bat this summer and has also been used as a wicketkeeper for New Zealand A.
“With the Indian conditions in mind, the plan has always been to take three frontline spinners, and all three bring something different.
“It’s great to have Nathan available again and his experience in the foreign conditions will be invaluable. Both he and Mitch Santner have the ability to bowl in the first six overs, which gives Kane a number of options to work with."
The depth within the fast bowling department meant some difficult decisions were made to find the right balance.
“On top of our four genuine pace bowlers and Corey as allrounder, Colin and Grant can are also options with the ball for us with their change of pace.
“We understand that with three subcontinent sides and Australia in our pool, we’re going to have to play some very good cricket to progress into the semi-finals.”
The BLACKCAPS will head to Dubai for preparation on 3 March 2016.
Kane Williamson will lead the tour following Brendon McCullum's retirement from the BLACKCAPS. Photosport
