New Zealand have axed senior batsman Ross Taylor from their T20I squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan, starting December 18 in Auckland.
Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway, who shared a world record 181-run partnership for the third wicket against the West Indies last month, have retained their places in the squad which ultimately resulted in Taylor’s omission.
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The Black Caps have also been bolstered by the return of Trent Boult and possibly Kane Williamson.
"This was, as you'd imagine, a very tough decision as Ross has been a consistent performer for us, but unfortunately we just couldn't find room in the squad for him due to the quality and form of the other batsmen," AFP quoted selector Gavin Larsen as saying.
Boult and Williamson return after missing the T20I series against the West Indies.
Notably, Williamson is not featuring in the ongoing second Test against the West Indies as his
Williamson is also absent from the current second Test against the West Indies as he and wife Sarah await the arrival of their first child. However, he has been named in the squad to play the last two T20Is against Pakistan on 20 and 22 December.
"Kane will return and lead the side for games two and three, but we'll obviously need to take a wait and see approach in relation to the arrival of his and Sarah's first child," Larsen said.
"Mark Chapman's in the squad for the opening match at Eden Park and is on stand-by for Kane for the remaining games of the series."
Speedster Lockie Ferguson was unavailable for selection after scans revealed a bone stress injury of his lumbar spine.
New Zealand squad for first T20I against Pakistan: Mitchell Santner (capt), Todd Astle, Doug Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner
New Zealand squad for last two T20Is against Pakistan: Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
(With AFP inputs)
