New Zealand A Name Star-Studded 19-Man Squad to Take On India A

New Zealand have loaded up for the India A challenge. A 19-member squad packed with 11 international players has been named for three four-day matches, starting in Lincoln on Saturday. With Rhys Mariu leading the charge and a high-quality visiting group awaiting, this series is shaping up as a serious red-ball test.

A Strong New Zealand A Line-Up for the Lincoln Opener

New Zealand Cricket has put together one of its stronger New Zealand A line-ups in recent memory. The group features 11 international players, giving the hosts real experience against a touring side that has its eyes on Test selection.

The star cast across the three matches includes Henry Nicholls, Ben Lister, Mitchell Hay, Jayden Lennox, Kristian Clarke, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Fisher, Adi Ashok and Tim Robinson.

Mariu Takes the Captaincy for Games One and Two

Rhys Mariu will captain the side in the first and second games. Interestingly, NZC noted that captaincy for the third match will be decided in due course, even though Mariu is available for that fixture too.

That leaves a small question mark over the leadership group as the series builds.

Rotation Plan: 13 Players for Each Four-Dayer

The 19-member pool will be rotated across the series. Thirteen players are named for each of the three four-day fixtures, so fresh legs and different combinations will feature along the way.

The remaining six players from the squad will be released to play in the 50-over Ford Trophy, which begins on October 28.

Quick Look at the Numbers

Why India A Is Considered Tough Opposition

India A have assembled a high-quality group for this tour. Several players are expected to push for selection in India’s Test squad for the two-Test series starting on November 19, at the end of the white-ball leg of the tour.

Names such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep and Auqib Nabi are part of the visiting group. Rishabh Pant’s participation remains subject to fitness.

NZC head of high-performance development Pete Sanford is clearly relishing the contest.

“We’re really looking forward to hosting India A. They [India] have announced a very strong line up, which poses a great opportunity for growth as players to test their strengths against international class. There’s a huge buzz around having India on our shores and I know the squad are raring to get their domestic summer underway,” said Sanford, as quoted by Cricinfo.

Cam Paul: The Fresh Face to Watch

One of the most notable inclusions is Cam Paul. The 21-year-old fast-bowling allrounder has been named for the third four-day match, which will be his first New Zealand A appearance. He missed the previous tour due to injury.

In five first-class appearances, Paul has taken wickets at a bowling average of just under 22 and has claimed two five-wicket hauls. Those numbers underline his potential at the next level.

Nick Kelly, the newest player to receive an NZC central contract, is also in line to feature in the third game.

“You always want to test yourself against the best and potentially playing against some of those guys is a huge opportunity. I was gutted to just miss out on the last tour, so I’m fizzed to be part of the squad and take that next step up,” said Paul.

Full New Zealand A Squads for Each Match

Here is how the 13-player groups line up for each of the three four-day games against India A.

What to Expect Next

The series kicks off in Lincoln on Saturday, with plenty at stake for both sides. For New Zealand’s players, it is a chance to measure themselves against international-class opposition before the domestic summer gets going.

For India A, it is a final audition ahead of a Test series. Add in the rotation of squad members and the late captaincy call, and there are plenty of storylines to follow across the three games.