The New Zealand cricket squad is set for a significant reshuffle as Central Districts’ promising batsman, Josh Clarkson, has been ruled out of the upcoming third T20I clash against Pakistan due to a shoulder injury.
Originally intended to step in for the absent captain, Kane Williamson, who is managing a lingering knee issue, Clarkson’s absence has opened the door for the inclusion of the experienced ODI campaigner, Will Young.
Young, a familiar face in the New Zealand ODI setup and a participant in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, now finds himself in the T20 mix.
With 14 T20I appearances under his belt and an impressive record of 260 runs at an average of 20, Young brings a wealth of experience to the Black Caps’ lineup for the crucial third T20I.
The revised squad showcases a formidable lineup, featuring key players such as Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, and the historic Tim Southee, who recently etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player to achieve the milestone of 150 T20I wickets.
The revised squad for the upcoming clash is as follows:
Kane Williamson (c) (matches 1, 2, 4, and 5)
Finn Allen
Mark Chapman
Will Young (match 3 only)
Devon Conway (wk)
Lockie Ferguson (matches 3, 4, and 5)
Matt Henry
Adam Milne
Daryl Mitchell
Glenn Phillips
Mitchell Santner (expected captain in Williamson’s absence)
Ben Sears (matches 1 and 2)
Tim Seifert (wk)
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
The New Zealand cricket calendar now sees Mitchell Santner taking the reins as the skipper in Williamson’s absence. The team is keen on maintaining its winning momentum, having secured a commanding 46-run victory in the series opener in Auckland.
One cannot overlook the historical feat achieved by Tim Southee, who now stands as the first player to claim an impressive 150 wickets in T20I cricket.
Southee’s remarkable milestone adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the upcoming matches, creating an electrifying atmosphere for cricket enthusiasts.
As the team prepares for the second T20I at Seddon Park in Hamilton on January 14, all eyes will be on the performance of the new-look squad.
The subsequent matches are scheduled for January 17 at University Oval in Dunedin, January 19 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, and the series finale on January 21, also at Hagley Oval.
Cricket aficionados are in for a treat as the Kiwis, under the guidance of stand-in captain Mitchell Santner, aim to deliver spirited performances and extend their dominance in the series.
The inclusion of Will Young and the historic milestone achieved by Tim Southee only add to the intrigue, making each match a must-watch event in the exhilarating quest for T20 supremacy.
