Trent Boult returns in New Zealand squad for Australia T20Is, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell to sit out

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Trent Boult returned to the New Zealand squad for the 3-match T20I series against Australia in the lead up to the World Cup 2024. The pacer has been named in the squad for the second and third T20Is in the absence of Tim Southee who will miss the last two games for workload management.

Kane Williamson and Darly Mitchell will not be part of the series due to different reasons. While all-rounder Mitchell is recovering from a foot injury which forced him to sit out of the second Test against South Africa, Williamson will be on a paternity leave.

Rachin Ravindra and uncapped Josh Clarkson have been named in the squad to strengthen the batting unit of the New Zealand side which will be led by Mitchell Santner. Express pacer Lockie Ferguson came in for Ben Sears.

“It’s never ideal missing two of your best players 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.

All-rounder Jimmy Neesham was unavailable for selection while Michael Bracewell is still out with a finger injury.

New Zealand vs Australia T20I series full schedule

1st T20I - February 21 - Wellington

2nd T20I - February 23, Auckland

3rd T20I - February 25, Auckland

New Zealand T20I squad: 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)