WTC final: New Zealand name 15-member squad ahead of title clash against India

India and New Zealand are all in readiness to face off in the inaugural World Test Championship final at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18 to June 22. While India will be going into the clash without any real match practice behind them, New Zealand are fresh from a 1-0 victory over hosts England in a two-match Test series.

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Ahead of the World Test Championship final, the Blackcaps announced their 15-member squad for the clash against India. Ajaz Patel has been chosen over Mitchell Santner as the specialist spinner after an impressive performance at Edgbaston, while Colin de Grandhomme, Will Young and Tom Blundell have also retained their places.

Apart from Santner, Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra are the ones who have not retained their position as the team management trimmed the squad.

Commenting on the squad selections, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said “We’ve gone with Ajaz as our specialist spinner after an impressive outing at Edgbaston, and we believe he could be a factor at the Ageas Bowl.”

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Speaking about Kane Williamson and BJ Watling, who both missed the second Test against England due to an elbow and back issue respectively, Stead informed, “Kane and BJ have certainly benefitted from their week of rest and rehabilitation, and we expect them to be fit and available for the final.”

The management has the hard task of finalizing the playing XI after most of the 15 members have managed to perform against England recently.

New Zealand Squad for WTC Final against India: Kane Williamson (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (WK), Will Young