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New Zealand Cricket on Friday, 22 December announced the withdrawal of skipper Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson from the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The Kiwis will host Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series, starting December 27 in Napier. The two team are currently playing the three-match ODI series where the hosts have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0.
Talking about their withdrawals, the decision by NZ Cricket comes after a medical advice and consideration of the team’s upcoming schedule with a focus on summer Test series against South Africa and Australia. While Williamson will undergo knee rehabilitation and strengthening, Jamieson will rehab for his hamstring injury.
Head Coach Gary Stead also opened up after their withdrawal from the T20I squad, adding, “We want both Kane and Kyle to be in the best possible place leading into the next block of Test cricket against South Africa and Australia. Based on discussions with the medical staff and the players it was decided a period of rehabilitation and conditioning was the best option for both of them.”
Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy named replacements
Notably, New Zealand Cricket has named opener Rachin Ravindra and seamer Jacob Duffy as their replacement for the three-match T20I series. “Jacob is an experienced T20 cricketer and always brings a lot when he is part of the BLACKCAPS environment. He’s worked very hard on hi white ball skills in recent seasons. Rachin adds to any environment he’s a part of and has great desire to learn and develop his game - across all formats,” Stead further added.
New Zealand T20I squad against Bangladesh:
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.