New Zealand Cricket has officially named a formidable 19-member New Zealand A squad featuring 11 capped international players, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated three-match four-day series against India A. The opening fixture of the series is scheduled to get underway in Lincoln on Saturday, running parallel to the senior men’s white-ball international series between New Zealand and India.
The expansive 19-man roster has been strategically designed to balance developmental goals with domestic commitments. Squad members will be systematically rotated across the three four-day encounters. For each individual fixture, a contingent of 13 players will be available, while the remaining members of the broader squad will be released to participate in New Zealand’s domestic 50-over competition, the Ford Trophy, which commences on October 28.
Opening batsman Rhys Mariu has been entrusted with the captaincy for the first two matches of the series. According to a statement released by New Zealand Cricket, leadership for the third and final four-day encounter will be determined in due course, despite Mariu remaining available to play through the conclusion of the series.
The squad blends established international experience with emerging domestic talent. Nick Kelly, who recently earned his maiden New Zealand Cricket central contract, is slated to feature prominently in the third game of the series. The rest of the star-studded cast includes spinners Adi Ashok and Jayden Lennox, all-rounders Kristian Clarke and Dean Foxcroft, fast bowlers Matt Fisher and Ben Lister, wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell Hay, and top-order batters Henry Nicholls and Tim Robinson.
Alongside Mariu, several other players will be ever-presents throughout the entirety of the series, ensuring continuity within the core group. Foxcroft, Matt Boyle, Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Fraser Sheat, and Jarrod McKay are all locked in to play across all three matches.
The arrival of India A has generated significant excitement within New Zealand’s high-performance circles. Pete Sanford, NZC’s head of high-performance development, emphasized the magnitude of the opportunity facing the hosts as they prepare to lock horns with a visiting side boasting established international pedigree.
"We’re really looking forward to hosting India A," Sanford said, highlighting the prospect of facing world-class opponents. The touring party features high-profile names such as KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Devdutt Padikkal, Auqib Nabi, Washington Sundar, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Additionally, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is included in the broader plans, though his participation in the opening matches remains subject to fitness evaluations following a recent replacement by Kumar Kushagra for the first two four-dayers.
Several members of the India A touring party are widely expected to transition directly into India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-Test series. That senior red-ball series is scheduled to begin on November 19, immediately following the conclusion of the white-ball leg of India’s tour.
"They have announced a very strong line up, which poses a great opportunity for growth as players to test their strengths against international class," Sanford added. "There’s a huge buzz around having India on our shores and I know the squad are raring to get their domestic summer underway."
Among the standout inclusions in the squad is 21-year-old fast-bowling allrounder Cam Paul. Poised to make his maiden New Zealand A appearance in the third and final game of the series, Paul returns to international consideration after an injury cruelly sidelined him from the team’s previous tour. The young paceman has made a strong impression in first-class cricket, boasting a bowling average of just under 22 alongside two five-wicket hauls in five appearances.
Reflecting on his selection and the challenge ahead, Paul expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming fixtures. "You always want to test yourself against the best and potentially playing against some of those guys is a huge opportunity," Paul said. "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."
New Zealand A Squads by Match
New Zealand A squad for 1st four-day match against India A:
Rhys Mariu (capt), Matt Boyle, Max Chu, Kristian Clarke, Dean Foxcroft, Zak Gibson, Mitchell Hay (wk), Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Jayden Lennox, Jarrod McKay, Tim Robinson, Fraser Sheat.
New Zealand A squad for 2nd four-day match against India A:
Rhys Mariu (capt), Matt Boyle, Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Zak Gibson, Mitchell Hay (wk), Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Jayden Lennox, Jarrod McKay, Tim Robinson, Fraser Sheat.
New Zealand A squad for 3rd four-day match against India A:
Adi Ashok, Matt Boyle, Max Chu (wk), Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Nick Kelly, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Jarrod McKay, Cam Paul, Henry Nicholls, Fraser Sheat.
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