Latest news with #BLACKCAPS


India Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
No Kane Williamson; Milne, Henry return as New Zealand announce tri-series squad
New Zealand have named fast bowler Adam Milne and uncapped batter Bevon Jacobs in their T20I squad for next month's tri-series in Zimbabwe, which also features South Africa. The 15-man group will be led by Mitchell Santner, with new head coach Rob Walter beginning preparations for the 2026 T20 World Williamson is among several senior players unavailable. The veteran batter, currently turning out for Middlesex and set to represent London Spirit in The Hundred, has opted out of the tour. Lockie Ferguson has been rested to manage his workload, while Kyle Jamieson is awaiting the birth of his first child. Ben Sears is sidelined with a side strain, and there is no room for Devon Conway or Mitch Hay, with Tim Seifert preferred behind the yet to make his international debut, retains his place after being part of the squad for the December T20I series against Sri Lanka. The 22-year-old, who impressed during domestic competitions and earned an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians, offers an explosive option with the bat. Welcome back Bevon Jacobs & Adam Milne Full story | #CricketNation = @PhotosportNZ BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 26, 2025 Milne returns for the first time since November, having missed the previous World Cup due to ankle surgery. He has recently shown strong form in Major League Cricket, taking nine wickets in four matches for Texas Super Kings. Fellow pacer Matt Henry is also back after recovering from the shoulder injury that ruled him out of the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this players who missed the March T20Is against Pakistan owing to IPL commitments - including Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Santner - are back in the fold."I think we've got a really strong squad for this tour, and I'm looking forward to getting the team together and getting into the work," Walter said. "It's great to have some of the experienced players back, and this series offers a valuable opportunity to look at some new faces too."He added: "Bevon has been outstanding in domestic cricket and gained good exposure in franchise leagues. It's a great chance for him to integrate with the group and push for selection. Adam brings pace and experience, and with a few regulars unavailable, it's ideal to have someone of his quality back in the squad."Walter, appointed across all formats earlier this month, will be supported by assistant coaches Luke Ronchi, Jake Oram and James Foster. He sees the tri-series as a vital step in building towards the next World Cup."With the tournament just a year away, every series counts. This tour allows us to test our depth, assess different combinations, and compete against strong opposition in challenging conditions," he Zealand begin their campaign against South Africa in Harare on 16 July, two days after the MLC final. NZC have confirmed that replacements will be named if any selected players are delayed due to ongoing league the tri-series, the Black Caps will stay on in Zimbabwe for two Test matches in Zealand Men's T20I squad: Mitch Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi- EndsMust Watch


News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
No Williamson, Conway In New Zealand's T20I Squad For Tri-Series In Zimbabwe
Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in the T20I tri-series starting July 14 at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe. The New Zealand cricket board took to X on Thursday (June 26) to announce the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe. The Kiwis will face hosts Zimbabwe and South Africa in the tri-series starting July 14 in Harare. Spin bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner will lead the Black Caps, and the squad also features the likes of his Mumbai Indians teammate Bevon Jacobs, MI New York all-rounder Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and Finn Allen, among others. Legendary batter and former captain Kane Williamson, however, continues to remain absent from the squad, whereas Chennai Super Kings opener Devon Conway was ignored by the selectors. Williamson last played a T20I match for New Zealand in Tarouba on June 17, 2024, against Papua New Guinea. According to a release shared by Black Caps, 'Kane Williamson wasn't included after making himself unavailable for selection." Fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, and Kyle Jamieson will also miss the tri-series due to various reasons, but Adam Milne is back in the T20I team. 'Pace bowlers unavailable for selection for this tour were Ben Sears (side injury), Lockie Ferguson (load management), and Kyle Jamieson—who is awaiting the birth of his first child," the release stated. Milne will bolster the pace bowling stocks alongside the world No. 1 T20I bowler Jacob Duffy and the Canterbury trio of Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, and Zak Foulkes. Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell are two specialist batters in New Zealand's squad, and they will have the support of all-rounders Rachin, Glenn Phillips, and Bracewell. Ish Sodhi, who is New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, will join Santner as the other specialist spinner. Welcome back Bevon Jacobs & Adam Milne 🤝 Full story | #CricketNation 📷 = @PhotosportNZ — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 26, 2025 'I think we've got a really strong squad for this tour, and I'm looking forward to getting the team together and getting into the work," New Zealand's new head coach Rob Walter said. 'We've got some good experience in the side, and it's nice to be able to welcome back a few of the players who missed the March series against Pakistan because of the IPL. It should be a great T20 Tri Series with South Africa, who are a very strong side, and Zimbabwe, who play well at home in their own conditions." New Zealand's squad for the T20I tri-series: Mitch Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi First Published: June 27, 2025, 00:11 IST


Scoop
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Tauranga To Host A Huge Season Of International Cricket At Bay Oval
Get ready for a memorable season as four of the world's most iconic cricketing nations - Australia, England, the West Indies, and South Africa - head to Tauranga's Bay Oval for a thrilling summer of international cricket. Tauranga will proudly open New Zealand's international cricket season with a high-energy T20 series against Australia, followed by an ODI against England and a five-day Test match against the West Indies. The season wraps up with an electrifying double-header, as both the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS take on South Africa's national men's and women's teams. From the first ball to the last, summer begins and ends right here at one of the world's most scenic and beloved cricket venues, with these matches expected to draw cricket fans from across Aotearoa and around the world. 'Welcoming four of the world's top cricketing nations to Bay Oval is an exciting time for Tauranga,' says Mayor Mahé Drysdale. 'This summer's international fixtures will not only deliver world-class sport but also highlight our city's unique hospitality, stunning setting, and growing reputation as a premier destination for major events. Having this calibre of international cricket right in our own backyard is a huge win for Tauranga. It's a celebration of community, culture, and cricket, and a chance to deliver real value for our city and economy." Past event evaluations highlight how hosting international events attracts visitors and generates positive returns. A 2023 report commissioned by Tauranga City Council and the Bay Oval Trust revealed the four-day BLACKCAPS versus England Test match generated over $4 million in visitor spending, delivering an estimated net benefit of $1.9 million to the city. The event was responsible for more than 21,000 visitor nights, with Tauranga hosting 8,007 visitors, including 5,610 domestic and 2,397 international visitors. The iconic Bay Oval was recently named one of the top grounds in the world to watch test cricket. With its lush grassy banks, relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, and Mauao as a backdrop, it's a venue that brings fans closer to the action, where unforgettable cricket memories are made. 'The Bay Oval is a huge asset to our city and a testament to Tauranga City Council, Bay Oval Trust, TECT Community Trust and the private sector working together to create a world-class venue,' says Mahé. Bay Oval General Manager, Kelvin Jones, adds, 'Bay Oval continues to grow its reputation as an internationally recognised cricket venue, not just for the players but for fans too,' 'Securing these matches is a milestone achievement and reflects the work invested in developing the ground and facilities. The new pavilion has elevated the venue, enhancing the experience for players and spectators.' Highlights of the upcoming international fixtures in Tauranga: Three T20 internationals against Australia in the first week of October mark the Australian men's team debut at Bay Oval and provide a perfect family-friendly experience during the school holidays. A Labour Weekend ODI against England on Sunday, 26 October, is set to be a crowd favourite, following last year's sell-out matches. 99% of local attendees surveyed agreed, hosting these events makes Tauranga a more enjoyable place to live. A 5-day Test match against the West Indies from 18 to 22 December offers an exciting start to the holiday season. A season-ending double-header against South Africa on 15 March 2026, featuring both the WHITE FERNS and BLACKCAPS, for a spectacular day of cricket. Tauranga City Council, TECT Community Trust, and Bay Oval have worked together to secure this summer's international cricket schedule, demonstrating the impact of local partnerships in bringing major events to the region. TECT Community Trust are excited to see Bay Oval host such a high-profile series. 'Events like these bring more than just entertainment – they foster community connection, vibrancy, and bring significant economic benefits,' says TECT Chairperson Mark Arundel. 'We're proud to support Bay Oval, a venue that delivers value to locals and helps showcase our region on the international stage.' Cricket fans are encouraged to sign up to Cricket Nation for early access to tickets, which go on sale in August, and be part of an action-packed summer of international cricket in Tauranga. New Zealand Cricket 2025-26 schedule: Wednesday, 1 October 2025, 7.15pm - 1st T20I, BLACKCAPS v Australia Friday, 3 October 2025, 7.15pm 2025 - 2nd T20I, BLACKCAPS v Australia Saturday, 4 October 2025, 7.15pm – 3rd T20I, BLACKCAPS v Australia Sunday, 26 October 2025, 2pm – 1st ODI, BLACKCAPS v England Thursday, 18 – Monday, 22 December 2025, 11am – 3rd Test, BLACKCAPS v West Indies Sunday, 15 March 2026 (T20I Double Header) 2.45pm and 7.15pm – 1st T20I WHITE FERNS v South Africa, 1st T20I BLACKCAPS v South Africa


India Today
06-06-2025
- Sport
- India Today
New Zealand name former South Africa coach Rob Walter as Gary Stead replacement
New Zealand cricket has announced former South Africa coach Rob Walter as the replacement for Gary Stead on Friday, June 6. Stead left his role as the New Zealand head coach on Thursday, after stepping down as the coach of the white-ball teams. New Zealand decided to name a new coach as they wanted one to lead the team in all three formats. advertisementWalter comes in after his tenure with the Proteas white-ball teams came to an end in April this year, when he stepped down after the Champions Trophy. During his time with South Africa, Walter guided them to the T20 World Cup 2024 final and the ODI World Cup semi-finals in 2023. The 49-year-old will take over from mid-June, and his first assignment will be the tour of Zimbabwe in July. Walter's contract with the Blackcaps will run until the T20 World Cup 2028 in Australia and New Zealand. "New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Rob Walter as the new Head Coach of the BLACKCAPS, effective from mid-June through to the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia in October-November 2028," read the statement from New Zealand cricket. What Walter said after becoming New Zealand coachadvertisementWalter said it is a privilege for him to be taking over as the coach of the Blackcaps and said he can't wait to get started in his new role. 'The BLACKCAPS have been a successful and highly-regarded team on the world scene for some time now and it's a real privilege to be given the chance to add to that,' Walter said.'It's an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and support staff through a period of time in which so many global events, as well as massive bilateral series, will be contested.'I just can't wait to get started. It's exciting, it's challenging, and the opportunity is enormous for everyone.'Walter's contract will see him in charge of the Blackcaps during a hectic international schedule which includes the T20 World Cup 2026, ODI World Cup 2027, LA Olympics 2028 and T20 World Cup 2028 and the new World Test Championship cycle. Must Watch


Express Tribune
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Gary Stead to depart as New Zealand coach
New Zealand men's head coach Gary Stead is set to leave his role when his contract finishes at the end of June. Stead, who had already departed as white-ball coach, was ruled out of a Test-only role after New Zealand Cricket's decision to employ one head coach across all three formats. The coach enjoyed a prolific seven years in the role, with the team claiming an ICC World Test Championship victory in 2021, with the team topping the Test Rankings, and claiming a momentous 3-0 Test series sweep of India away from home last year. The side also sat on top spot in the ODI rankings in his tenure, reaching the final of the Men's Champions Trophy 2025, Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 and the T20 World Cup 2021, among other semi-final appearances at global tournaments. An emotional Stead reflected on his time with great fondness. "There's been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country, each other and for the fans," he said. "Brendon McCullum and Mike Hesson had left the team with strong values and a style of play, and I've just tried to build and shape that further to grow our ability to be consistent in everything we do. "It's been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I'd like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the BLACKCAPS are a team that won't fold and will always show the grit and determination to compete. "To work alongside some of New Zealand's best cricketers and have had a ringside seat to every training and match has been very special and an absolute honour. "For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game. "I'd like to wish the new coach well and the team every success in the future." As New Zealand look to his replacement, 53-year-old Stead has outlined his intention to carry on in his coaching career. "I'll initially take some time to refresh and recharge, but I still have the coaching bug and will look to explore opportunities at home and abroad where I can look to share what I've learned from my 30 years of professional sport as a player and coach." Kane Williamson led the tributes for Stead's contribution to New Zealand cricket. "Steady gave absolutely everything to the team," Williamson said.