Michael Bracewell is set to lead New Zealand for the first time during their upcoming Twenty20 tour of Pakistan, as several key players are absent due to commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The tour, comprising five Twenty20 internationals, kicks off in Rawalpindi on April 18, serving as preparation for the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies in June.
The unexpected selection of 33-year-old all-rounder Bracewell as captain comes after he missed last year’s 50-overs World Cup due to an Achilles rupture and hasn’t played a T20 international in over a year. He steps in for regular skipper Kane Williamson, who is representing Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
Bracewell expressed his excitement at being appointed captain, describing it as the culmination of a remarkable few days during which he also excelled in cricket for his club Wellington and achieved a hole-in-one while playing golf.
Missing from the squad are IPL-contracted players Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, and Williamson. Additionally, Test captain Tim Southee is being rested following a demanding cricket season across all formats, while Will Young, Tom Latham, and Colin Munro are unavailable.
Newcomers Tim Robinson and Will O’Rourke, known for their big-hitting batting and fast bowling respectively, have earned their first call-ups to the Twenty20 squad. O’Rourke impressed during his debut with the Test side against South Africa in February, while Robinson’s prolific run-scoring for Wellington in the domestic Super Smash competition secured his place in the squad.
Sam Wells, New Zealand selector, highlighted the squad’s power-hitting abilities and exciting bowling options. New Zealand previously defeated Pakistan 4-1 in a home five-match Twenty20 series in January.
The squad for the tour includes: Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.