Auckland, Matt Henry is set to join the New Zealand cricket team for the upcoming five-match T20 series against Pakistan starting on January 12. After being sidelined due to an injury during the Cricket World Cup 2023, Henry’s inclusion marks his return to international cricket.
According to International Cricket Council, which includes key players like skipper Kane Williamson and left-hand batter Devon Conway, who are returning to the squad after resting during the home series against Bangladesh. Williamson, however, will miss the third T20I to manage a knee issue that has troubled him for the past year. In his absence, Josh Clarkson has been called in as cover for the match, with Mitchell Santner set to lead the team as captain. Rachin Ravindra sits out the series, while Lockie Ferguson is expected to join the squad later.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead emphasized the importance of the Pakistan series in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He highlighted the significance of the series opener at Eden Park in Auckland, noting it as a crucial opportunity for the team to build momentum.
The squad sees some adjustments with Ben Sears included for the first two matches to accommodate for Ferguson’s later entry. Kyle Jamieson and Michael Bracewell are currently recovering from injuries and will not participate. Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham were also unavailable for selection.
The New Zealand T20I squad will convene in Auckland on January 9. The full squad for the series against Pakistan includes Kane Williamson (captain for matches 1, 2, 4, and 5), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson (for match 3 only), Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Lockie Ferguson (for matches 3, 4, and 5), Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears (for matches 1 and 2), Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Ish Sodhi, and Tim Southee.
Cape Town, In an extraordinary day of Test cricket, 23 wickets tumbled at Newlands in Cape Town, with Dean Elgar playing his final Test innings. The day saw a record-equaling number of dismissals in South African Test history, as both India and South Africa’s quick bowlers exploited the conditions.
According to International Cricket Council, the day began with India bowling out South Africa for just 55 runs in the first session. This performance was highlighted by Siraj’s exceptional bowling, taking 6 wickets for 15 runs, his best in Test cricket. South Africa’s total is their lowest since re-admission in Test cricket and the lowest by any team against India.
India, in response, seemed in control at 153/4 but experienced a dramatic collapse, losing six wickets for no runs in just 11 balls, marking the fastest six-wicket tumble in Test cricket history. The collapse left India all out for 153, despite a counterattacking knock from Rohit Sharma and a stable partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
South Africa, in their second innings, ended the day at 62/3, trailing by 36 runs. Dean Elgar, in his final Test appearance, scored 12 before being dismissed. Mukesh Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah were instrumental in reducing South Africa to their overnight score.
The day’s play equaled the record for most wickets in a single day of a Test match in South Africa, matching the 2011 Test between South Africa and Australia at the same venue. Only the 1902 Test in Melbourne between Australia and England witnessed more wickets fall on the first day, with 25 dismissals.
The match continues to be finely balanced, with both teams showing their bowling strengths on a lively Newlands pitch. The performance of the bowlers, especially Siraj and Bumrah for India and Nandre Burger for South Africa, have been the highlights of this enthralling Test match.