Online Reporter
NEW ZEALAND have rung the changes, drafting in four fresh faces for the upcoming T20I Tri-Series in Harare after Major League Cricket (MLC) forced a reshuffle of their squad.
Star wicketkeeper batter Devon Conway, hard hitting all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, and rising talents Mitch Hay and Tim Robinson have all been added to the squad that will take on hosts Zimbabwe and South Africa in the highly anticipated tournament starting Monday, July 14.
Conway comes in to replace Finn Allen, who has been ruled out after sustaining a foot injury during his MLC stint in the United States.
Hay, Neesham, and Robinson join as cover for Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, all of whom are expected to feature in the MLC final on Monday, just hours before the tri-series kicks off in Harare.
Black Caps head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment at losing Allen just when he was hitting his stride.
“We’re really gutted for Finn,” Walter said. “I was looking forward to working with him and to see him continue his form from the MLC, but unfortunately injuries happen.
“We’re lucky to be able to call on someone of Devon’s quality to replace Finn.”
New Zealand will sit out the series opener between Zimbabwe and South Africa on Monday, July 14, and make their bow two days later when they take on the Proteas.
Each team will face the others twice before the top two clash in the final on Friday, July 26.
T20I Tri-Series Fixtures (Harare Sports Club)
July 14 – Zimbabwe v South Africa
July 16 – South Africa v New Zealand
July 18 – Zimbabwe v New Zealand
July 20 – Zimbabwe v South Africa
July 22 – New Zealand v South Africa
July 24 – Zimbabwe v New Zealand
July 26 – Final. — Source: ICC
