New Zealand announce 13-member squad for Test series against Sri Lanka

New Zealand will play Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series starting Thursday, March 9 and have announced their squad for the same. Ahead of the Tests, the Black Caps have announced a 13-member squad which will be led by Tim Southee.

Notably, all 13 players have featured in the recent 1-1 draw with England. However, uncapped seamer Jacob Duffy, leg spinner Ish Sodhi, and the injured Kyle Jamieson have not been included in the squad.

Earlier, Jamieson was named in the squad for the England series. He was later withdrawn from the same as he had to undergo back surgery.

The Tim Southee-led team recently won a dramatic game as they pipped England in the second match in Wellington by the barest of margins (one run). Ben Stokes and co. hoped for a 2-0 clean sweep after winning the first Test. But, New Zealand won the second Test by one run in Wellington to level the series.

New Zealand’s batting will continue to be anchored by Kane Williamson, with Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Will Young. Tom Blundell will continue to be the wicket-keeper batter and Michael Bracewell will be the key in the spin department. Left-arm seamer Neil Wagner is another player to look up to. Along with Southee, the line-up includes pacers Matt Henry, Blair Tickner, and Scott Kuggeleijn.

The two Tests between New Zealand and Sri Lanka are part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with the final to be played in June. Notably, defending champions New Zealand are out of contention for the final. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, need a clean sweep to have a shot at the final, and will face either India or Australia.

The first Test will be played in Christchurch. Meanwhile, the final Test will be played in Wellington from March 17.

New Zealand squad vs Sri Lanka: Tim Southee (captan), Tom Blundell (wicket keeper), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Will Young