Michael Bracewell Appointed Captain for New Zealand in Pakistan T20I Series
For New Zealand cricket, Michael Bracewell is set to lead the team in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.
Tim Robinson is expected to make his T20I debut because the IPL has rendered nine players unavailable.
Tim Robinson, who is yet to receive a cap, will likely make his debut as a batsman, but all-arounder Michael Bracewell, who is making his comeback to international cricket, will skipper New Zealand during their Twenty20 International tour of Pakistan.
Will O’Rourke, a fast bowler who debuted in both Test and ODI cricket earlier this season, has also been picked.
After breaking his finger and rupturing his right Achilles while playing for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast in June, Bracewell hasn’t represented New Zealand since March of last year. He just won the Plunket Shield with a career-best 8 for 41.
He will be in charge of a team that is devoid of nine players who are serving in the Indian Premier League, Will Young, who has signed a contract with Nottinghamshire abroad, Tom Latham, who is expecting his second child, and Tim Southee, who was left off the roster in order to give him more time to recover from his home season.
Securing the final spot in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad will be aided by the tour. “Michael has faced a long period on the sideline and it’s exciting to see him back playing cricket again,” Sam Wells, the selector, said. “His return to top form following an Achilles rupture is evidence of his dedication and hard work.
“He’s a well-respected leader and has captaincy experience for Wellington along with New Zealand A and New Zealand XI teams, which we believe holds him in good stead to lead the group in Pakistan.”
Robinson, 21, is uncapped and has been added to the team. He finished second in the Super Smash run-scoring competition with 298 runs at 59.60 and a strike percentage of 187.42, including 139 off 64 balls against Otago.
“Tim is still very early in his domestic career but his natural ability and explosive power was on full display this season,” Wells stated. In addition to his excellent fielding, we think he possesses a skill set that fits the format nicely.
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“We are thrilled with Will’s early efforts in each of the formats he has played in for the Indian team so far. He will have a great opportunity to test his abilities in unfamiliar circumstances on this tour.”
New Zealand T20I Squad vs Pakistan:
- Michael Bracewell (C)
- Finn Allen
- Mark Chapman
- Josh Clarkson
- Jacob Duffy
- Dean Foxcroft
- Ben Lister
- Cole McConchie
- Adam Milne
- Jimmy Neesham
- Will O’Rourke
- Tim Robinson
- Ben Sears
- Tim Seifert
- Ish Sodhi
This revamped squad, under Bracewell‘s captaincy, is poised for an exciting and competitive series against Pakistan, setting the stage for a dynamic cricketing season ahead.
