Michael Bracewell to Captain New Zealand in T20I Series Against Australia; Santner Sidelined by Injury

New Zealand will be without regular captain Mitchell Santner for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee Trophy T20I series against Australia. Santner is recovering from abdominal surgery and is expected to return for the England tour later this month. In his absence, Michael Bracewell will lead the side, having already captained New Zealand in 10 T20Is, including a 4-1 win over Pakistan earlier this year. The squad sees the return of Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears. Jamieson missed the Zimbabwe tour to be with his family for the birth of his first child, while Sears sat out with a side strain. They join a seam attack that also features Matt Henry, world No.1 T20I bowler Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes. Young batter Bevon Jacobs keeps his place after making an unbeaten 44 on debut against South Africa. Devon Conway, who was drafted in as injury cover in Zimbabwe, also stays in the squad. Tim Seifert continues as wicketkeeper after a record CPL hundred for St Lucia Kings, while Tim Robinson is rewarded for his Player-of-the-Match innings in the tri-series against South Africa. Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi Ish Sodhi will lead the spin department, while several senior names remain unavailable. Finn Allen, Adam Milne, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips and Lockie Ferguson are all recovering from injuries. Kane Williamson, who has signed a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket, has chosen not to take part in the series. The three-match T20I series will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, with games on October 1, 3 and 4.