CHRISTCHURCH: Tim Southee will captain New Zealand’s 15-man squad to face Afghanistan and Sri Lanka next month but may not play in all three Tests with head coach Gary Stead keen to manage the workload in tough conditions.
The Black Caps will play a one-off match against Afghanistan in India in Noida from September 9, before traveling to Sri Lanka to take on the hosts in two World Test Championship encounters starting on September 18 and 26.
Swing bowler Southee took just six wickets in four home Tests last season and New Zealand have also included pace bowlers Matt Henry, Ben Spears and Will O’Rouke in their line-up.
“While we are keeping an open mind about the conditions, it is clear that all our bowling options may be needed in different Tests.
“Tim and I have discussed this and the need to balance the workload of the bowlers during these overseas tours, including himself, to ensure that the team is best served.”
Former captain Kane Williamson has also been included in the party alongside all-rounder Michael Bracewell, who returns to the squad for the first time in over a year.
They will then host England in another three-Test series in November and December.
Team New Zealand
Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young
