New Zealand squad announced for Sri Lanka Tests

Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2023

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New Zealand v England - 2nd Test Day 5 (1)

For the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand have backed the same faces in the 13-man squad that delivered a 1-1 draw against England at home, Cricbuzz reports. Jacob Duffy and Ish Sodhi are the only ones to be left out.

Opener Devon Conway, who was down with a groin strain, and Matt Henry, who had some tightness in his back, both made it to the squad.

Trent Boult continues to be unavailable after having opted out of the central contract while Kyle Jamieson is off to cater to his recurrent back injuries, needing surgery.

“We felt that the 13 that we have here is the right 13 to go forward,” head coach Gary Stead said on Wednesday. “I think when you have a win like that (vs England in Wellington), your confidence will improve.”

Sri Lanka will play two Tests against New Zealand and need to win both to stay in contention for a place in the WTC final. For things to go their way, they would need Australia to lose 4-0 in India.

New Zealand Test Squad:

Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Will Young