Blackcaps load up on spin for Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Tests

NZ Cricket have announced the Blackcaps’ 15-strong touring squad for their upcoming Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

The selections are headlined by the return of Michael Bracewell, who'll play his first Test in 18 months due to an Achilles injury, plus pace bowlers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears, who are poised to play their first overseas Test matches.

The location of New Zealand’s one-off Test against Afghanistan has finally been confirmed as Noida, India, starting September 9. That will be closely followed by two ICC World Test Championship matches against Sri Lanka from September 18 and 26.

Bracewell’s inclusion is part of a greater spin bowling contingent heading for the sub-continent, with left-armers Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra, plus Bracewell and Glenn Phillips providing right-arm off-spin.

The last time Bracewell played a Test match for the Blackcaps was March 2023 against Sri Lanka, where the Wellington Firebirds spinner took five wickets at his home ground.

“Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the Blackcaps across all three formats,” Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead said.

“His all-round skills, and ability to take the ball away from the left-hander make him a great asset, especially on what we expect will be turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka.”

The pace attack of O’Rourke and Sears is rounded out by Test captain Tim Southee and Matt Henry, who will be looking to continue the fine form he displayed with the new ball during New Zealand’s 2023-24 home summer.

Kyle Jamieson wasn’t available for selection, as he continues to recover from the back injury that hindered the towering quick last summer.

Stead is mindful that the conditions in India and Sri Lanka have the potential to wear down his quicker bowlers. In preparation, Tom Latham has been designated vice-captain in case Southee has to sit out one of the Tests.

“Test tours to the sub-continent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity,” he said.

“While we’re going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests.

“Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the workloads of the pace bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served.”

The Blackcaps are currently third on the ICC World Test Championship ladder, behind Australia and leaders India. Wins against the Sri Lankans will be crucial in improving their standing if they want to play for ‘The Mace’ again in 2025.

“We know how important the points in Sri Lanka will be to our chances of pushing for a finals spot in England next year,” Stead said.

“We managed one win from the two Test series in challenging conditions in Bangladesh last December and are keen to build on that.

“The whole squad is looking forward to test their skills in the longest form of the game in the sub-continent.”

The coaching group will include batting coach Luke Ronchi, plus former Pakistan player and coach Saqlain Mushtaq added as bowling coach for the three Tests, and James Foster as assistant coach.

Blackcaps Test squad to play Afghanistan & Sri Lanka:
Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.