On Wednesday, the New Zealand selectors announced their squad for the T20 games against India with pacer Blair Tickner and batting all-rounder Daryll Mitchell earning their maiden call-ups to the national team. While Tickner is expected to join the squad only for the third game as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell will be available for selection in all three games.
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"Daryl has shown his value with the bat and also tends to bowl at some tough times for the Knights, and Blair is well-respected among his team-mates and opponents alike as someone who bowls a heavy ball at good pace," New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said.
Mitchell boasts an impressive strike rate of 118 in domestic T20 games and has been in good form, having scored a blistering 61 off just 23 balls for the Northern Districts against Central Districts in the Twenty20 Super Smash last week.
Captain Kane Williamson returns to lead the side after sitting out the T20’s against Sri Lanka, with quickie Trent Boult being given a rest this time around. Henry Nicholls, who has been struggling for form of late, has been dropped with the squad along with Glenn Philips and Seth Rance.
