Kyle Jamieson - web image - sportstiger

Picture Credit: Twitter

New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson has opted out of the forthcoming three-match T20I series against India set to commence later on Wednesday. His decision comes in order to focus on the two-Test matches that will be played after the white-ball matches. Earlier, Black Caps captain Kane Williamson had also opted out of the limited-overs series to focus on the red-ball fixtures.

While New Zealand played the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final on Sunday, they will take on India in Jaipur in just three days' time in the first T20I. Kiwi head coach Gary Stead has said that managing the workload of the squad will be on their minds during their tour of India and handing Jamieson rest is part of the same objective.

In Williamson's absence for the T20Is, it is Tim Southee who will be leading New Zealand against India later today at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

A bit of a balancing act at the moment with three T20 games in five days: Stead

"We decided through talking with Kane and Kyle that they won't play in this T20 series," Stead said ahead of the opening T20I.

"They're both going to get ready for the Test matches and I think you'll probably find that the other guys involved in the Test matches who won't play in the entire series either. It's a bit of a balancing act at the moment and with three T20 games in five days plus travel to three different cities, it's a very, very busy time," he added.

Meanwhile, in a big boost to the New Zealand camp, Lockie Ferguson is all set to return to the Playing XI for the opening T20I. This was also confirmed by Stead in the pre-match presser.

"Lockie is likely to play tomorrow night, which is fantastic to get him back to playing again. He's recovered very well from his calf injury that he picked up at the very start of the World Cup. So exciting for him and exciting for our team to have him back in our attack," Stead said.

Following the T20Is in Jaipur, Ranchi and Kolkata, a Test match each will be played at Kanpur and Mumbai. Several members of the Indian team including Virat Kohli have also been rested from the T20Is while several others will be rested in the Tests.