New Zealand have added promising all-rounder Kristian Clarke to their squad for the first three matches of the upcoming T20I series against India, as the team manages injury concerns ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Clarke will join the Black Caps in India starting Wednesday in Nagpur, covering for seamer Adam Milne and experienced spinner Michael Bracewell, both recovering from recent injuries. Milne sustained a hamstring strain during South Africa’s SA20 domestic tournament, while Bracewell suffered a calf injury in the final ODI of New Zealand’s recent series win over India.
Both Milne and Bracewell remain part of New Zealand’s 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup, beginning February 7, and will aim to prove their fitness during the latter stages of the five-match series.
Clarke’s selection comes after strong performances with the ball in the ODI series, and coach Rob Walter praised his composure under pressure. “With some players returning from injury and others joining from franchise cricket, it’s important we have enough pace-bowling options for the first three games. This is a great chance for Kristian to gain experience on his first tour of India,” Walter said.
New Zealand’s squad for the T20 series includes Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke (first three matches), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, and Ish Sodhi.
The five-match T20I series is scheduled as follows: January 21 in Nagpur, January 23 in Raipur, January 25 in Guwahati, January 28 in Visakhapatnam, and January 31 in Thiruvananthapuram.