No Kane Williamson; Milne, Henry return as New Zealand announce tri-series squad
New Zealand have named fast bowler Adam Milne and uncapped batter Bevon Jacobs in their T20I squad for next month's tri-series in Zimbabwe, which also features South Africa. The 15-man group will be led by Mitchell Santner, with new head coach Rob Walter beginning preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.Kane Williamson is among several senior players unavailable. The veteran batter, currently turning out for Middlesex and set to represent London Spirit in The Hundred, has opted out of the tour. Lockie Ferguson has been rested to manage his workload, while Kyle Jamieson is awaiting the birth of his first child. Ben Sears is sidelined with a side strain, and there is no room for Devon Conway or Mitch Hay, with Tim Seifert preferred behind the stumps.advertisementJacobs, yet to make his international debut, retains his place after being part of the squad for the December T20I series against Sri Lanka. The 22-year-old, who impressed during domestic competitions and earned an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians, offers an explosive option with the bat. Welcome back Bevon Jacobs & Adam Milne Full story | https://t.co/1jOONKyaso #CricketNation = @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/33CPm3uT0K— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 26, 2025
Milne returns for the first time since November, having missed the previous World Cup due to ankle surgery. He has recently shown strong form in Major League Cricket, taking nine wickets in four matches for Texas Super Kings. Fellow pacer Matt Henry is also back after recovering from the shoulder injury that ruled him out of the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.advertisementSeveral players who missed the March T20Is against Pakistan owing to IPL commitments - including Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Santner - are back in the fold."I think we've got a really strong squad for this tour, and I'm looking forward to getting the team together and getting into the work," Walter said. "It's great to have some of the experienced players back, and this series offers a valuable opportunity to look at some new faces too."He added: "Bevon has been outstanding in domestic cricket and gained good exposure in franchise leagues. It's a great chance for him to integrate with the group and push for selection. Adam brings pace and experience, and with a few regulars unavailable, it's ideal to have someone of his quality back in the squad."Walter, appointed across all formats earlier this month, will be supported by assistant coaches Luke Ronchi, Jake Oram and James Foster. He sees the tri-series as a vital step in building towards the next World Cup."With the tournament just a year away, every series counts. This tour allows us to test our depth, assess different combinations, and compete against strong opposition in challenging conditions," he said.New Zealand begin their campaign against South Africa in Harare on 16 July, two days after the MLC final. NZC have confirmed that replacements will be named if any selected players are delayed due to ongoing league commitments.advertisementFollowing the tri-series, the Black Caps will stay on in Zimbabwe for two Test matches in Bulawayo.New Zealand Men's T20I squad: Mitch Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi- EndsMust Watch
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