Win Projections to be updated soon
Auckland, 12 October 2025:
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra have returned to the BLACKCAPS squad for the upcoming KFC T20 International series against England, while Kane Williamson and Ben Sears have been ruled out.
Santner, who underwent abdominal surgery recently, has fully recovered and will lead the side in the three-match series commencing at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Saturday. Ravindra, meanwhile, returns after missing the T20I series against Australia due to a facial injury.
Williamson, who arrived back in the country on Thursday, will target his return to international cricket during the ODI series against England, beginning in his hometown Tauranga on Sunday, 26 October.
Right-arm fast bowler Ben Sears has been sidelined after sustaining a left hamstring injury during training last week. A subsequent MRI scan confirmed a tear that will require three to four weeks of rehabilitation.
All-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who impressed in the series against Australia, has retained his place in the squad. He joins the pace group featuring Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson. Michael Bracewell partners Santner in the spin department, with Ish Sodhi missing out from the previous squad.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert will take the gloves and is part of an otherwise unchanged batting lineup from the Australia series.
BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter said the series against England represents another valuable opportunity for the T20I squad.
“Fresh from the challenge against Australia, it’s great to welcome another world-class side to our shores,” Walter said. “We know how exciting the brand of cricket Harry Brook and his England side play, and our players are eager to meet that challenge head-on.
“It’s fantastic to hear the opening match at Hagley Oval is close to a sell-out, and that will create a brilliant atmosphere to start the series on Saturday night.”
Walter welcomed the return of Santner and Ravindra and said Williamson’s return will further strengthen the squad during the ODI leg of the tour.
“It’s great to have Mitch back. As well as being our captain, he’s one of the world’s premier white-ball spinners, and his experience will be invaluable,” Walter said. “It’s also pleasing to have Rachin back after missing the Australia series—he’s a key member of our group.”
“Kane had a minor medical issue in recent weeks, and we agreed he needed a bit more time to be fully ready. We’re confident these extra two weeks will allow him to prepare for the ODIs against England and the following series against the West Indies.”
Walter added that Sears’ injury was unfortunate but expected him to make a full recovery in due course.
New Zealand T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk).
England T20I squad: Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.
The BLACKCAPS will assemble in Christchurch on Wednesday ahead of the three-match KFC T20I series, beginning on Saturday night at Hagley Oval.
The series will be broadcast live in New Zealand on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1, with Sport Nation and the Alternative Commentary Collective providing live audio coverage.
