New Zealand Squad for Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Tests: New Zealand has announced its squad for the upcoming Test series against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. There are a total of 5 spinners in the Kiwi squad. Through these two series, the New Zealand team will also prepare for the India tour to be held in October. New Zealand has to play the only test match against Afghanistan from September 9 in Noida. After this, the Kiwi team will tour Sri Lanka for a 2-Test series which will be a part of the World Test Championship.

The majority of the squad is similar to the one that lost 2-0 to Australia on home soil earlier this year, with experienced quick Tim Southee once again named captain of a side that includes the likes of key batters Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.

Along with Southee, the role of fast bowling will be played by Matt Henry, Ben Sears and Will O'Rourke. Apart from Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Michael Bracewell, part-time spinners Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra will play the role of spinners in these three Tests to be held in the subcontinent.

New Zealand Squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

With spin expected to play a crucial role during the matches on the sub-continent, New Zealand coach Gary Stead has already raised the prospect of Southee and his fellow fast bowlers not being used in every match.

"Test tours to the sub-continent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity,” Stead said.

"We know how important the points in Sri Lanka will be to our chances of pushing for a finals spot in England next year,” he added.

Test Matches Schedule
Only Test v Afghanistan, Noida, September 9-13

First Test v Sri Lanka, Galle, September 18-22

Second Test v Sri Lanka, Galle, September 26-30.

Following the two matches in Sri Lanka, New Zealand are scheduled to take on India in a three-match series away from home during October and November before another three-game series at home against England at the end of the year.