India vs New Zealand 2019: Excited to Test Team's Bench Strength - Kane Williamson

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is looking forward to testing the bench strength of his team in the upcoming three-match T20I series against India. Martin Guptill has been ruled out with a back injury whereas Trent Boult has been rested from the forthcoming series. Consequently, it gives an option of trying out the young players to the Blackcaps skipper.

On the other hand, New Zealand had to face an ignominious defeat of 1-4 in the ODI series against the Men in Blue. Thus, the hosts will look to turn the tables in the three-match T20I series against India.

The hosts have added two rookie players.

New Zealand has included two uncapped players in Daryl Mitchell and Blair Tickner. Hence, both the greenhorn players could be in contention to make their debut.

“Martin (Guptill) has been ruled out of the series because of a back injury. We have a different squad altogether with some new faces. We are going to see some debutants throughout the series and it is really exciting,” the Kiwi skipper said on the eve of the opening T20.

“It’s a positive thing that a number of guys are getting opportunities to have those experiences against a fantastic Indian side.”

The flamboyant batsman believes it is a great opportunity for the young prospects to showcase their skills. Kane feels it is a good chance for his team’s players to get more game time before the World Cup.

Great opportunity to get more game time.

“Obviously it is the shorter version of what we can expect in the World Cup but it is another great opportunity to play international cricket against what is very strong opposition. Any time you get opportunities to have those experiences it’s always good,” Kane Williamson said.

“It’s (World Cup) not that far away now. Any opportunity you get to play in international cricket is beneficial. It’s (T20s) still an important fixture especially against a competitive side like India. So, I think all the people involved in the series will get a lot out of it.”

On the other hand, New Zealand’s veteran fast bowler Tim Southee was dropped from the final three ODI matches against India. Williamson confirmed that the vanguard bowler is very much part of their future plans.

“Tim (Southee) has played a huge amount of cricket. He is a massive part of our side. He is a leader in the group,” he said.

New Zealand will like to make a stronger comeback against India, who were too good for them in the ODI series. Despite it being a T20 game, it would bring a good opportunity for both sides to get the much-needed game time under their belt.