Finn Allen and Michael Bracewell have been included in New Zealand’s 15-member squad for the 2022 T20 world cup, announced on Tuesday. The Wellington Firebirds duo are the only two new faces to the side that had reached the final of the 2021 T20 world cup.
Adam Milne, who had replaced the injured Lockie Ferguson in that tournament, also finds a place in the side while Devon Conway has been named as the frontline wicketkeeper in the side.
While all-rounder Kyle Jamieson missed the cut due to his continued rehabilitation of a back injury, Todd Astle and Tim Seifert have missed selection.
“It’s always a special time announcing a World Cup squad and I’d like to congratulate the 15 players selected today.” Gary Stead, the New Zealand head coach, said following the announcement.
“It’s especially exciting for Finn and Michael who are set for their first ICC events, while Martin Guptill is preparing for his 7th T20 World Cup – which in itself is an incredible achievement.
“It’s great to have this tournament so soon after last year’s event in which we played some really good cricket, but couldn’t quite get over the line at the end. With the nucleus of that squad retained along with the exciting additions of Finn and Michael, we should go into the tournament with plenty of optimism.”
Ahead of the world cup, the side will face Pakistan and Bangladesh in a tri-series at home, starting October 7.
Gary Stead, the New Zealand head coach, believes that tri-series will provide much-needed preparation ahead of the world cup. “Along with the all-important game time, those matches will be a great chance to refine our combinations and game-plans ahead of our departure to Australia,” he said.
