Ross Taylor, who hasn’t played a T20I since March 2016, has been recalled to the New Zealand set-up for the three-match T20I series versus India, starting on Wednesday (November 1) in Delhi.
The veteran batsman will replace the injured legspinner, Todd Astle. The bowling all-rounder was ruled out of the India tour after he sustained a groin strain in the warm-up game against Board President’s XI at the Brabourne stadium.
Taylor was in good form in the just-concluded ODI series against India, compiling 155 runs. He also cracked a hundred in the warm-up game against Board President’s XI.
“Ross [Taylor] is in good form as well. He gives us another option through the middle order. It’s a real shame for Todd, but it will be nice to have Ross’ experience in the group,” Mike Hesson, the New Zealand head coach, said.
New Zealand will start the T20I series as the No.1 ranked side in the shortest format of the game. Incidentally, the visitors have won all their matches so far against India in T20Is, winning five with one game being called off due to rain.
“We’re No. 1 in the world at the moment (for T20). We’ve got the bulk of the squad we’ve had for a while with some fresh and exciting faces as well. Once again, it’s a tough challenge here playing India in India,” he said.
New Zealand T20I squad: Kane Williamson (c), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips (wk)
 in Delhi.){kind=link}