The injury to Todd Astle had ruled him out of the T20I series against India. As his replacement, the veteran Ross Taylor has been added to the squad. The middle-order batsman had last played a T20I back in the 2016 ICC World T20.
A consistent run in the recently concluded ODI series has helped him regain the place in the shortest format of the game. Taylor scored 155 runs in the 3 ODIs and looked in top form. His knock of 95 in the first game in Mumbai helped the side chase down the target of 281.
New Zealand’s coach Mike Hesson reckons that Taylor’s form will help the side in the middle order. He also mentioned that they have got a talented side but playing against India will be a stern task.
“If rankings are anything to go by we’ve obviously got a chance. We’re No. 1 in the world at the moment (for T20). We’ve got the bulk of the squad we’ve had for a while with some fresh and exciting faces as well. Once again, it’s a tough challenge here playing India in India,” Hesson said.
“Ross is in good form as well. He gives us another option through the middle order. It’s a real shame for Todd (Astle), but it will be nice to have Ross’ experience in the group,” he added.
Ross Taylor has featured in 73 T20Is for New Zealand in which he has accumulated 1256 runs with 5 half-centuries and a strike rate of 120. He has heaps of experience of playing in India as he has represented various sides in IPL which could come in handy for the Black Caps.
New Zealand’s T20I squad
Kane Williamson (C), Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (WK), Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
