Tom Latham Could Stand In Captain Tim Southee

New Zealand's Test captain, Tim Southee, may not participate in all of the team’s upcoming subcontinent matches, depending on conditions and team balance. The squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka includes five spin options, indicating potential changes in the team’s composition.

Southee will lead a 15-player squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan and the two Tests against Sri Lanka, which are expected to be held in Galle. However, he might be rested for some matches, including the three Tests against India that follow. Should Southee be unavailable, vice-captain Tom Latham is set to step in as captain.

"Test tours to the subcontinent can pose significant challenges for pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the conditions," said head coach Gary Stead. "We are preparing with an open mind, understanding that all our bowling options might be required throughout these tours. Tim and I have discussed the need to manage the pace bowlers' workloads effectively."

The squad announced on Monday does not cover the India series, but a similar group is expected to be involved. There was uncertainty about Kane Williamson’s participation in the Afghanistan Test, but he has been included in this historic match between the two teams.

Michael Bracewell returns to the Test side after 18 months, and Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner are also included. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips are expected to play significant roles with the ball.

The pace options in the squad include Matt Henry, Ben Sears, and Will O'Rourke. Henry had an impressive performance against Australia last season, while Sears and O'Rourke made notable debuts. Kyle Jamieson, recovering from a stress fracture, is not considered for this series.

"It's encouraging to see young players like Will and Ben making the squad through their performances," Stead commented. "Michael’s return is also noteworthy, given his all-round skills and ability to perform well on spin-friendly wickets."

Saqlain Mushtaq will rejoin New Zealand as the bowling coach for the subcontinent series, and James Foster will return as an assistant coach.

The Afghanistan Test, not part of the World Test Championship, is scheduled for September 9-13. The Sri Lanka Tests will be played between September 18-22 and 26-30. Following these, New Zealand will play a home series against England starting in late November. They are currently third in the WTC standings and aim to qualify for the final at Lord's in June.

New Zealand Test Squad for Afghanistan and Sri Lanka:

- Tim Southee (captain)

- Tom Blundell

- Michael Bracewell

- Devon Conway

- Matt Henry

- Tom Latham

- Daryl Mitchell

- Will O'Rourke

- Ajaz Patel

- Glenn Phillips

- Rachin Ravindra

- Mitchell Santner

- Ben Sears

- Kane Williamson

- Will Young