WTC Final: New Zealand announce 15-man squad for the summit clash against India

India and New Zealand are gearing up to lock horns in the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final, which commences on June 18 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Unlike previous ICC competitions, the Kiwis won’t be the underdogs of this clash by any means. Kane Williamson’s men have been phenomenal in red-ball cricket lately and would back themselves to defeat India in the summit clash.

They, in fact, will head into the WTC final on the back of a 1-0 Test series win over hosts England. On June 15, the Blackcaps confirmed their 15-man squad for the encounter against India. Ajaz Patel has been selected as the specialist spinner while Colin de Grandhomme, Will Young and Tom Blundell have also retained their places. Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner faced the axe after the England Test series.

Commenting on the squad selections, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said that Ajaz Patel, who took four wickets in the second Test against England, can be a great asset in Southampton. “We’ve gone with Ajaz as our specialist spinner after an impressive outing at Edgbaston, and we believe he could be a factor at the Ageas Bowl,” said Stead in a statement.

Kane Williamson and BJ Watling expected to play the final: Gary Stead

The Kiwi coach also mentioned that regular skipper Kane Williamson and wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling, who missed the second Test against the Brits due to injuries, are most likely to get fit to play the finals. “Kane and BJ have certainly benefitted from their week of rest and rehabilitation, and we expect them to be fit and available for the final,” asserted Stead.

Matt Henry, after his impressive outing against England, has also been selected alongside the pace quartet of Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner. Devon Conway and Ross Taylor got runs in the England series, and they would be determined to shine against India as well. However, the main spotlight would be on skipper Kane Williamson, who would be coming off from an injury.

New Zealand Squad for WTC Final against India: Kane Williamson (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (WK), Will Young