Published: Feb 01, 2016, 07:55 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 01, 2016, 07:55 AM (IST)
New Zealand have become the first team to announce the squad for the ICC World T20 2016 to be held in India later this year. As expected Kane Williamson will lead the Black Caps in the tournament as Brendon McCullum is to retire from all forms of international cricket following the completion of the home summer against Australia. The team features a good mix of youth and experience. Williamson will have the support of senior members of the likes of Luke Ronchi, Nathan McCullum and Ross Taylor in the competition. ALSO READ: New Zealand climb to No. 3 in ICC ODI rankings following series win against Pakistan
There are no real surprises in the 15-member squad announced. Given that the contest will be held in India where the ball is likely to offer more purchase to spinners than fast bowlers, New Zealand have included three spinners in the team including all-rounder Mitchell Santner, off-spinner McCullum and leggie Ish Sodhi.
Henry Nicholls who impressed in the One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan has also found a place in the side even though he is yet to play a single Twenty20 International (T20I), he will also act as cover for wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi. Colin Munro also finds a place in the side on back of some fine performances in the series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Apart from the spinners, there are four specialist fast bowlers in the line up including Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Mitchell McClenaghan. Apart from them, the Kiwis can fall back on all rounders Corey Anderson and Grant Elliott for additional depth.
The batting department will see the likes of Guptill, Taylor, Williamson, Munro and Nicholls apart from the all rounders. The Black Caps squad seems reasonably well balanced. New Zealand have left out left-handed Tom Latham which means Williamson is likely to open with Guptill as he did in the home series.
New Zealand Squad for ICC World T20 2016: Kane Williamson (c), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Colin Munro, Nathan McCullum, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor
