Finn Allen Given Maiden T20I Call-Up As New Zealand Announce 13-Man Squad For Bangladesh T20Is; Tim Southee To Lead In Kane Williamson's Absence

Young sensation Finn Allen is been called up to the New Zealand squad for the first time for the upcoming 3-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Along with Finn Allen, Will Young has also received his maiden T20 squad invitation after making his Test and ODI debut earlier this season.

Finn Allen, 21, has been in supreme form in domestic cricket – he was the highest run-scorer in the Super Smash with 512 runs at an average of 56 and a strike rate of 193. The right-hander is also been signed up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2021 after Josh Philippe pulled out due to personal reasons.

“It’s especially an exciting time for Finn Allen, who will be getting his first taste of the Black Caps environment. His Super Smash campaign with the Firebirds was nothing short of outstanding and we believe he has the skills to succeed at the next level,” selector Gavin Larsen said.

Tim Southee to lead as six IPL-bound players rested

Senior pacer Tim Southee will captain the Blackcaps as Kane Williamson, who missed out on the ODI series as well due to an elbow injury, is given a rest ahead of flying to India for the IPL. Along with Williamson, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, and Tim Seifert are also handed a break to spend time with their family before the IPL.

Pacers Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne return to the squad after gaps due to injuries. Milne hasn’t played for New Zealand since November 2018 with various injuries keeping him out of action while Ferguson sustained a back injury in December last year.

In Tim Seifert’s absence, Devon Conway will take the wicketkeeping gloves. Ferguson, Milne, and Finn Allen are also part of the IPL and will depart for the tournament immediately after the T20I series against Bangladesh, which will be played on March 28, March 30, and April 1.

“It’s certainly been a season like no other and once again we’ve had to be pragmatic in our approach. The six guys who will miss this series are incumbents in our T20 side and the decision to give them some time at home with family before they embark on a long stint in India, was principally made with their welfare in mind.

“We’re also very aware of the need to give others opportunities in a World Cup year and it’s great to be able to introduce Finn and Will to the set-up, as well as welcome back Lockie and Adam. Tim’s a great leader in any Black Caps side, we’ve seen how well he’s slipped into the T20 captain’s position in the past and we look forward to him continuing to grow in the role,” Larsen added.

“We’re delighted to see Lockie and Adam return after working really hard to get back to this point. They are two of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket and it’s fantastic to be able to call on their services, in what is shaping as a big year of T20 cricket,” he further said.

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