New Zealand Cricket has announced an extended 19-player New Zealand A squad, featuring 11 BLACKCAPS, for a three-match four-day series against India A, beginning tomorrow at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln University.
The series will provide New Zealand’s emerging and established players with an opportunity to test themselves against a strong Indian side while preparing for the upcoming international and domestic cricket season.
The matches will run alongside the BLACKCAPS’ white-ball series against India and New Zealand’s domestic Ford Trophy competition. Thirteen players will be selected for each four-day match, with the remaining squad members returning to domestic 50-over cricket.
India A are expected to feature several prominent red-ball players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar, who have also been named in India’s squad for the upcoming Test series against the BLACKCAPS, beginning November 19.
Canterbury batter Rhys Mariu will captain New Zealand A in the first two matches, while the captain for the third fixture will be confirmed later.
New Zealand’s latest centrally contracted player, Nick Kelly, is in line to feature in the third match. Other capped internationals included in the squad are Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay, Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Henry Nicholls and Tim Robinson.
New Zealand Cricket Head of High Performance Development Pete Sanford said the series would provide valuable opportunities for player development.
"We're really looking forward to hosting India A," said Sanford.
"They've announced a very strong line up which poses a great opportunity for growth as players to test their strengths against international class.
"There's a huge buzz around having India on our shores and I know the squad are raring to get their domestic summer underway.”
Cam Paul set for potential NZ A debut
Canterbury all-rounder Cam Paul is in line to make his New Zealand A debut in the third match after missing the previous tour through injury.
The 21-year-old has made an encouraging start to his first-class career, recording a bowling average of just under 22 across five matches and claiming two five-wicket hauls.
Paul said the opportunity to compete against high-quality opposition was one he was eager to embrace.
“You always want to test yourself against the best and potentially playing against some of those guys is a huge opportunity.
“I was gutted to just miss out on the last tour, so I’m fizzed to be part of the squad and take that next step up.”
Where to watch
Cricket fans in New Zealand can watch the matches via the NZC YouTube channel, with live scores available at nzc.nz.
In India, Sony Pictures Networks India will broadcast the tour exclusively on Sony LIV, with the first two four-day matches also available on Sony Sports Ten 1 channels.
The series is expected to provide an important assessment of New Zealand’s player depth while offering the squad valuable experience against some of India’s leading red-ball talents.
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