22 Dec 2023

Williamson out and Ravindra in for Bangladesh T20 series

12:32 pm on 22 December 2023
New Zealand's batsman Rachin Ravindra celebrates his century with captain Kane Williamson during their World Cup group match against Pakistan.

New Zealand's batsman Rachin Ravindra comes in for captain Kane Williamson Photo: photosport

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson and pace bowler Kyle Jamieson have been withdrawn from T20 squad to face Bangladesh on medical advice.

The duo's ommission opens the door for allrounder Rachin Ravindra and bowler Jacob Duffy to join the squad.

Williamson will undergo a period of knee rehabilitation and strengthening following his recent return to play at the Cricket World Cup in India and the Tests against Bangladesh.

Jamieson's hamstring injury will see him miss the series against Bangladesh which starts on Wednesday and January's T20 Series against Pakistan with February's Test Series against South Africa his targeted return.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the withdrawals were grounded in fresh medical advice

"We want both Kane and Kyle to be in the best possible place leading into the next block of Test cricket against South Africa and Australia.

"Based on discussions with the medical staff and the players it was decided a period of rehabilitation and conditioning was the best option for both of them."

Stead said Ravindra and Duffy provided strong additions to the squad mix for Bangladesh.

"Jacob is an experienced T20 cricketer and always brings a lot when he is part of the Black Caps environment. He's worked very hard on his white ball skills in recent seasons.

"Rachin adds to any environment he's a part of and has a great desire to learn and develop his game - across all three formats."

Mitch Santner will be captain for the Bangladesh T20 series in Williamson's absence. Santner has led the team 14 times previously in international cricket.

Revised Black Caps T20 Squad for Bangladesh

Mitch Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee