New Zealand announce strong 'A' squad for India tour

New Zealand announced their ‘A’ squad on August 19, Friday, for their upcoming tour of India, featuring both red-ball and white-ball games. It is set to take place in September and there are seven Kiwi players in the squad with international experience. This is New Zealand A’s first overseas tour since 2018.

The Kiwi ‘A’ side last toured the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to play against their Pakistani counterparts, and this is also their first tour to India since 2017. The upcoming India tour consists of three four-day matches and as many one-day matches. All matches will be hosted across Bengaluru and Chennai.

There are five players in the 15-member squad – Matt Fisher, Chad Bowes, Joe Walker, Robbie O’Donnell and Ben Lister, who have never represented the New Zealand A team. Meanwhile, New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said that it is “exciting” for the team to play in foreign conditions.

Touring India is one of the great experiences for any cricketer: Larsen

“It’s great to have A fixtures back on the touring calendar and even more exciting to have the team playing in foreign conditions,” Larsen was quoted as saying by NDTV. “With a mix of red ball and white ball matches, it’s a great chance to see the players in a variety of situations against what we know will be a very strong home side.”

“The conditions present a great opportunity for the spin bowling group in particular, ahead of future tours and ICC events in the subcontinent. Touring India is one of the great experiences for any cricketer and I know the players and staff are looking forward to the challenge,” Larsen added.

New Zealand A Squad: Robbie O’Donnell, Tom Bruce, Joe Carter, Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Dane Cleaver, Matt Fisher, Cameron Fletcher, Ben Lister, Michael Rippon, Rachin Ravindra, Sean Solia, Joe Walker, Logan van Beek

New Zealand A tour of India schedule:

Four-day match 1: September 1-4, Bengaluru

Four-day match 2: September 8-11, Bengaluru

Four-day match 3: September 15-18, Bengaluru

One-day match 1: September 22, Chennai

One-day match 2: September 25, Chennai

One-day match 3: September 27, Chennai