New Zealand has recalled Devon Conway for the T20I squad for the tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa in place of the injured Finn Allen.
Allen sustained a foot injury during the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) while playing for the San Francisco Unicorns.
Conway, who has not played a T20I for over a year, has been added to the squad after showing form in the MLC. He scored 135 runs in four matches while playing for the Texas Super Kings at a strike rate of 127.35.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter is disappointed by the exit of Allen due to injury, but also showed happiness at the depth of the squad.
“We’re really gutted for Finn,” Walter said.
“I was looking forward to working with him and to see him continue his form from the MLC but unfortunately injuries happen. We’re lucky to be able to call on someone of Devon’s quality to replace Finn.”
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Batter Mitchell Hay, Tim Robinson and allrounder James Neesham are also added to the squad as cover for Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, all of whom are set to feature in the MLC final on Sunday.
“We knew there’d be a possibility that a handful of players could be involved in the MLC final, so we’re bringing in Mitch, Jimmy and Tim as possible replacements,” he added.
Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand while Walter is starting his journey as the new coach, with Luke Ronchi, Jacob Oram and James Foster part of the support staff.
The Kiwi lineup is without several regular key players, including Kane Williamson, who made himself unavailable for the tour.
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been rested, Kyle Jamieson has opted out of the tour as he awaits the birth of his child, while Ben Sears is out with an injury.
New Zealand will kick off their campaign on Wednesday against South Africa. The series will be played on a double-round-robin format, with the top two teams playing the final on July 26.
New Zealand squad for the tri-series
Mitchell Santner (capt), Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchel, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Mitch Hay, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson
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