Christchurch, January 3: Fast bowler Matt Henry is set to return to the New Zealand T20 squad for the upcoming five-match T20 series against Pakistan. Henry was ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup in India two months ago due to a hamstring injury. He is scheduled to return to domestic action before joining the 13-man New Zealand squad for the T20 series starting January 12.
Captain Kane Williamson and opening batsman Devon Conway are also returning after rest after the Bangladesh Test tour. Williamson will miss the third T20I due to the ongoing management of his knee injury, with Josh Clarkson coming in as cover, and Mitchell Santner standing in as captain for that match.
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is returning from an Achilles injury and is expected to return to action through the Auckland Aces before joining the Black Caps squad for the final three matches of the T20 series.
The KFC T20 Series against Pakistan starts on January 12 at Eden Park. More | https://t.co/PK2adErqGI #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/aQBCnR5qSb
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 2, 2024
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead stressed the importance of the Pakistan series, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching. He highlighted the importance of the return of experienced players like Matt Henry, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson and Kane Williamson to the team.
Kyle Jamieson was not selected for the T20I series as he is recovering from a hamstring injury. Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham are unavailable due to overseas T20 league commitments, and Michael Bracewell is still recovering from an Achilles injury.
New Zealand’s T20 team for Pakistan will assemble in Auckland on 9 January.
