Cricket: New Zealand announce 15-member squad for WTC Final versus India

New Zealand have announced their squad for the forthcoming World Test Championship Final against India. Five players have been dropped from the crew that confronted England, with the Kiwis proceeding with a 15-man squad. 

Skipper Kane Williamson and wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling were both added for the WTC final. Both Williamson and BJ Watling had missed the second Test against England at Edgbaston because of injuries. Kane Williamson was precluded out because of an elbow injury while BJ Watling, who is set to retire after the WTC final against India, was sidelined by a back physical issue. 

"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" - said Gary Stead.

Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Doug Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra exit the first 20-player visiting crew for the England Test series. 

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“It’s not easy to say goodbye to guys who have given so much to the group. Doug, Jacob, and Rachin have been selfless in their attitude to helping the team and supporting those in the playing XI.”

Gary Stead additionally indicated that expert spinner Ajaz Patel, who got back with match figures of 4/59 in the subsequent Test, may assume a significant part in the last. He clarified: 

“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.”

Gary Stead said their triumph over England in any case, it will be an extreme test confronting India. He said:

"India are a world-class outfit who possess match winners all through their line-up, so we're under no illusion about how tough they will be to beat."

New Zealand WTC Final squad: Kane Williamson (C), Tom Blundell, 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, and Will Young. 

Notwithstanding managing the squad, New Zealand actually have a selection problem on their hands. The BlackCaps would be unsure on whether to go with an all-pace attack against India or include an expert spinner for a spot of one of the quicks in Southampton. 

New Zealand will take on India in the debut World Test Championship final from June 18. The final will occur at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.