Follow UsNew Zealand captain Kane Williamson and fast bowler Kyle Jamieson have been released from the T20 International (T20I) series against Bangladesh, as a precaution, keeping in mind the Test series against South Africa and Australia in mind.
The duo will be replaced by Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy, respectively, while Mitchell Santner will lead the Blackcaps in Williamson's absence. The decision to withdraw their names comes after medical advice. While Williamson underwent knee rehabilitation, Jamison was advised to undergo targeted rehabilitation following his recent hamstring injury. As a result, he will miss the T20Is against Bangladesh and Pakistan.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said that these decisions were made following fresh medical advice.
“We want both Kane and Kyle to be in the best possible place leading into the next block of Test cricket against South Africa and Australia.
“Based on discussions with the medical staff and the players it was decided a period of rehabilitation and conditioning was the best option for both of them.”
Speaking of the inclusion of Ravindra and Duffy, Stead said, “Jacob is an experienced T20 cricketer and always brings a lot when he is part of the Blackcaps environment. He’s worked very hard on his white-ball skills in recent seasons.
“Rachin adds to any environment he’s a part of and has a great desire to learn and develop his game - across all three formats.”
Bangladesh are currently 2-0 down in the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series. They will look to avoid a whitewash when the two teams meet in Napier on Saturday (December 23).
The first T20I will get underway in Napier from December 27, with the remaining two matches set to be played at Mount Maunganui on December 29 and December 31.
New Zealand squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee