As the New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka gets underway, cricket fans are set for an exciting clash between two formidable teams. The series kicks off with a Test match on Wednesday, September 18, at the Galle International Stadium, marking the start of a thrilling two-Test encounter.

The anticipation is building for the upcoming Test series. New Zealand, known for their adaptability and depth in all formats, have picked a power-packed squad for the Test leg against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand’s players to watch out for

Key players to look out for in the New Zealand squad includes Kane Williamson, whose experience and class make him a threat in any format. Tim Southee‘s captaincy and his ability to bowl under pressure will be pivotal, while Daryl Mitchell’s all-round skills could prove to be match-winning on any given day.

With a well-balanced squad that boasts explosive batters, crafty spinners and seasoned pacers, New Zealand are poised to make a strong showing in the upcoming Test matches.

Also READ: New Zealand icon Kane Williamson heaps praises on England star Joe Root for his Test cricket mastery

The best playing XI for New Zealand in the series against Sri Lanka:

1. Devon Conway

The explosive left-handed opener, originally from South Africa, has cemented his place as one of New Zealand’s most dynamic openers. Known for his aggressive batting style, Conway often sets the tone at the top of the order, applying pressure on the opposition early in the innings. A versatile cricketer, Conway also serves as an occasional wicket-keeper, adding flexibility to the team.

2. Rachin Ravindra

A promising all-rounder, Rachin is an aggressive left-handed batter and an off-spinner. His powerful hitting makes him capable of clearing boundaries with ease, making him a potential game-changer in the game. His skill with the ball adds another dimension to his game, providing New Zealand with a valuable bowling option.

3. Kane Williamson

New Zealand’s premier batter, Williamson, returns to the Test side as the anchor of the top-order. The 34-year-old, widely regarded for his classical technique, remains a key figure despite stepping down as captain. His adaptability and ability to play a wide range of shots in different conditions make him a vital cog in New Zealand’s batting lineup.

4. Tom Latham (Wicket-Keeper)

The reliable left-handed wicket-keeper batter, Latham, is expected to hold the middle-order together. Known for his calmness under pressure, Latham is a key finisher who can accelerate the scoring in the latter stages of the innings. His ability to handle pressure and make crucial runs in challenging situations makes him an invaluable asset.

5. Daryl Mitchell

Mitchell is a dynamic middle-order batter and all-rounder whose ability to shift gears quickly can change the course of a match. His aggressive stroke play combined with his ability to contribute with the ball adds significant depth to the New Zealand squad. Mitchell’s powerful hitting makes him a player to watch, especially in tight situations.

6. Glenn Phillips

An explosive all-rounder,  Phillips is renowned for his hard-hitting batting and off-spin bowling. His remarkable fielding skills make him a complete package for Test cricket. Phillips’ ability to make game-changing contributions with both bat and ball ensures he will be a key figure in New Zealand’s plans.

7. Michael Bracewell

Bracewell is a left-handed batter and a right-arm off-spinner who can dominate the opposition with both bat and ball. A middle-order batter, Bracewell’s ability to clear the boundary and his accuracy with the ball make him a potent threat to any opposition. His ability to bowl at different lengths adds versatility to New Zealand’s bowling attack.

8. Tim Southee (Captain)

Fast bowler  Southee, New Zealand’s Test captain, will lead the side with his vast experience. A right-arm medium-fast pacer, Southee has the knack for thriving in high-pressure situations, particularly in the death overs. His leadership, combined with his ability to bowl crucial overs, makes him a cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling unit.

9. Matt Henry

Right-arm fast bowler Henry is known for his pace and ability to generate bounce. Henry’s prowess, especially in the death overs, adds a potent weapon to New Zealand’s bowling attack. His capacity to unsettle batters with sharp deliveries will be a key factor in limiting Sri Lanka’s scoring.

10. Mitchell Santner

Santner is a highly skilled left-arm spinner with the ability to bamboozle batters with his variations. Known for his economical bowling, Santner is also a capable lower-order batter who can score vital runs. His experience and calmness under pressure make him a vital part of New Zealand’s Test setup.

11. Ajaz Patel

Ajaz Patel is expected to bring his mastery of spin into the T20 format. At 35, Patel’s experience and ability to deceive batters with his subtle variations will be crucial, particularly on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches. His ability to tie down batters and build pressure will be key for New Zealand.

Also READ: Sri Lanka unveils 16-member squad for home Test series against New Zealand; Oshada Fernando returns

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