Published 10:58 IST, October 30th 2019
Ross Taylor makes huge revelation about New Zealand's plan for England
New Zealand batsmen Ross Taylor revealed that the home side wasn't looking to avenge the controversial World Cup loss to England in the upcoming T20 series
New Zealand batsmen Ross Taylor revealed that the home side wasn't looking to avenge the controversial loss at the World Cup finals to England in the upcoming tour. New Zealand take on England in five T20s commencing from November 3. This would be the first time the two sides will meet after the controversial World Cup final. With skipper Kane Williamson ruled out of the series with an injury, speedster Tim Southee will lead the Black Caps against England.
Ross Taylor reveals New Zealand's game plan
Ross Taylor revealed that re3venge was not on the mind of the New Zealand team and said that the World Cup was a great campaign but was a different series. Ross Taylor said that the World cup loss was an emotional moment for the New Zealand cricketers but they had moved on from the heartbreak. Ross Taylor added that a lot of youngsters who were a part of the current New Zealand T20 squad were not a part of the 50-over squad that played the World Cup. Ross Taylor clarified that his side had moved on from the World Cup loss and were now focusing on the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin in October 2020.
Tim Southee to lead Kiwis
Paceman Tim Southee will lead New Zealand in the five-match T20 series, with regular captain Kane Williamson sidelined by a hip injury. It begins an intense year of T20 World Cup preparation for the Black Caps, who are ranked six in the shortest form of the game, four places below England. They will play T20 series against England, Australia, India, the West Indies, Bangladesh and Ireland before the World Cup. England are also using the tournament as a launching pad for their T20 World Cup preparations, resting key players in the hope of building depth in their squad. Proven performers Jason Roy, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Moeen Ali have been rested after a draining spell that included the one-day World Cup and the Ashes Test series against Australia.
Instead, the likes of Tom Banton, Lewis Gregory, Pat Brown, Saqib Mahmood, and Matt Parkinson have been asked to step up and challenge for a place at next year's tournament. Bairstow will also have a point to prove after being left out of the squad for the two Tests against New Zealand that will follow the T20s. Selector Ed Smith has confirmed the England hierarchy will be watching Bairstow closely with a view to eventually returning him to the Test arena.
Updated 11:12 IST, October 30th 2019