New Zealand rotate pacers for final three T20Is against India
New Zealand rest Ferguson and Henry for the third T20I, adding Tickner and Clarkson as India lead the series 2-0.
New Zealand Cricket announced squad changes for the final three T20Is against India on Monday. Lockie Ferguson will miss the third match in Wellington on October 27 before returning for the fourth and fifth games. Matt Henry will stay in Christchurch to prepare for the ODI series and will join the squad in Auckland on November 2.
Blair Tickner enters the squad for all three remaining T20Is while Josh Clarkson becomes available for the fourth and fifth matches. Kyle Jamieson will play the third T20I on October 27 before rejoining the New Zealand A squad for Canterbury's Ford Trophy match on October 31. Matt Fisher will travel with the team as additional pace cover for the Wellington match only.
Head coach Rob Walter said the rotation plan allows New Zealand to manage fast bowler workloads ahead of the five-match ODI series. India lead the T20I series 2-0 after winning the first two matches in Christchurch by four wickets each. The remaining T20Is will be played in Auckland on October 30 and Hamilton on November 1.
CricHubb Take
The rotation signals New Zealand's recognition that their fast bowlers need rest before the five-match ODI series that follows the T20Is immediately. By spreading the workload across multiple pacers rather than overusing the same names, New Zealand are treating the T20Is as preparation rather than a standalone series to be won at all costs.