New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson will miss
the upcoming three-match T20I series against India in order to focus on the two
Test matches later in the tour. Veteran paceman Tim Southee will lead the side
in Williamson’s absence.

The New Zealand board on Monday announce
the squad for the three match T20I series. “BLACKCAPS captain Kane Williamson
will miss this week’s three-game T20 series against India as he prioritises
preparing for the Test series starting on November 25 in Kanpur,” New Zealand
Cricket said in a statement.

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“With the opening game of the T20 series on
Wednesday evening, followed by games on Friday and Sunday night – the decision
was made for Williamson to join the Test specialist group already training in
Jaipur as they focus on red-ball preparation.”.

“Tim Southee will captain the T20 side for
the opening game on Wednesday, while Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn
Phillips, and Mitchell Santner are also available for both series. Lockie
Ferguson’s recovery from a right calf-strain continues to progress well and he
is expected to be available for the T20 series.”

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Williamson will, however, remain with the side. 

The Kiwis are coming from the
recently-concluded T20 World Cup, where they were beaten by Australia in the
final. Williamson starred in the final with a 48-ball 85 to guide the Kiwis to
an imposing 172-run total.

However, fifties from David Warner and
Mitchell Marsh helped Australia cruise to their maiden World T20 title in
style.

In their next assignment, New Zealand are
scheduled to play three T20Is and two Test matches in India. The first of the
T20Is will be held in Jaipur on November 17, with Ranchi (November 19) and
Kolkata (November 21) set to host the remaining matches.

The first Test will be played in Kanpur
from November 25-29, with Mumbai to host the second match from December 3-7.