New Zealand Announces 15-Man Squad For WTC Final Against India, Mitchell Santner Snubbed

New Zealand has confirmed its 15-man squad for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final against India, at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18-22.

Ajaz Patel has been selected as the specialist spinner, with Colin de Grandhomme the all-rounder and Will Young the specialist batting cover, while Tom Blundell is the back-up wicket-keeper.

Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner are the five players who will drop out from the squad that arrived in England. 

Commenting on the squad selections, Kiwi coach Gary Stead said: “There’s had to be some tough calls with Mitchell and Daryl victims of the fierce competition we currently have for places in the Test side. 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.

“Colin’s been an integral member of our Test set-up for many years and it was great to see him return at Lord’s after a long injury lay-off. He’s a proven performer at the top level and we back him to do a job with the bat or the ball if called upon."

“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."

New Zealand squad for WTC Finals: 

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, Will Young

Daryl Mitchell (Middlesex) and Doug Bracewell (Nottinghamshire) will remain in England to play in the Vitality T20 Blast.