New Zealand’s cricket board has swiftly responded to an injury double blow by naming Christian Clarke in the squad for the first three T20 internationals versus India. Starting Wednesday in Nagpur, the series promises fireworks amid the Black Caps’ evolving lineup.
Fast bowler Adam Milne’s hamstring tear in South Africa’s SA20 league, coupled with Michael Bracewell’s calf injury during Indore’s third ODI, created an urgent need for reinforcement. Enter Clarke, the young all-rounder whose ODI debut was a revelation: seven wickets (including Virat Kohli twice), handy batting, and two catches.
Rob Walter, the head coach, views this as a workload management masterstroke. ‘Christian’s a backup to keep our pacers fresh. His ODI displays of skill and serenity under duress were standout,’ Walter shared. It’s also prime time for Clarke to immerse in team dynamics on Indian soil.
Post their unprecedented ODI series victory in Indore, morale soars. ‘We’ve scripted history through collective excellence,’ Walter beamed. Bracewell is back in Nagpur for medical checks; Milne’s recovery timeline is pending.
As players trickle in from franchises, ODIs, and domestic Super Smash, New Zealand balances rotation and readiness. Clarke’s addition underscores their depth and adaptability heading into this crucial tour.
Team: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Christian Clarke (1st three games), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Jack Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi.