New Zealand name 11 international stars in 19-member squad for India A series

New Zealand A Name 19-Player Squad for Three-Match India A Series

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a 19-player squad for a three-match, four-day series against India A, giving emerging and established domestic players a valuable opportunity to test themselves against high-quality opposition. The opening match is scheduled to begin in Lincoln on Saturday, October 24.

The series will run alongside the five-match T20I contest between the senior New Zealand and India teams, adding to a busy period of cricket between the countries. For New Zealand’s players, however, the longer format offers a different challenge: sustained batting, disciplined bowling and the patience required to compete over four days.

Squad rotation planned across all three matches

NZC will rotate its 19 selected players across the series, naming 13-player groups for each match. Those not included in a particular four-day fixture are expected to have an opportunity in the Ford Trophy, New Zealand’s domestic one-day competition, which begins on October 28.

Rhys Mariu will captain New Zealand A in the first two matches. NZC has not yet confirmed who will lead the side in the third and final game. Central-contract holder Nick Kelly is among the players named for that fixture and could feature as the series reaches its conclusion.

Dean Foxcroft is set to be available for all three matches, alongside Matt Boyle, Curtis Heaphy, Fraser Sheat, Simon Keene and Jarrod McKay. The squad also includes players with international experience, including Henry Nicholls, as well as a number of promising prospects looking to strengthen their claims for higher honours.

India A bring a formidable test

The New Zealand A squad is expected to face a strong India A lineup featuring players with extensive experience in domestic and international cricket. The announced group includes KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep and Auqib Nabi. Rishabh Pant may also be involved, depending on his fitness.

That combination should provide a demanding examination for New Zealand’s batters and bowlers. India’s depth in first-class cricket means the visitors can call on accomplished top-order players, versatile all-rounders and a varied bowling attack. For the hosts, the series is more than a set of results: it is a chance to measure their skills against opponents accustomed to competing at a high level.

NZC head of high-performance development Pete Sanford said the organisation was looking forward to welcoming India A. He described the tour as an important development opportunity, allowing New Zealand players to test their strengths against international-standard competition. Sanford also noted the excitement surrounding India’s visit as the domestic summer gets underway.

Cam Paul earns a chance after injury setback

One of the notable selections for the final match is 21-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder Cam Paul, who is set to make his New Zealand A debut. Paul missed the previous tour through injury, making his inclusion a welcome opportunity to take another step in his development.

In five first-class appearances, Paul has taken wickets at an average just below 22 and recorded two five-wicket hauls. Those early numbers point to his potential as a bowler, while his all-round skills add another dimension to his game. Facing India A could offer a useful benchmark as he works toward more regular opportunities at a higher level.

Paul said he was disappointed to miss the earlier tour but was pleased to be part of the squad this time. He described the chance to compete against some of India’s leading players as a major opportunity and said he was eager to make the most of the step up.

What to watch in the India A series

The series prediction will naturally depend on conditions, team combinations and how quickly each side adapts to the four-day format. Lincoln’s playing conditions and the balance of the selected teams could influence whether the matches favour patient batting or give seamers early assistance. With squads changing between games, consistent performances may matter as much as individual match results.

For New Zealand, the key questions include whether its young batters can build substantial innings against India’s attack and whether the bowlers can maintain pressure across long spells. The presence of experienced players such as Nicholls and Foxcroft could help provide stability, while emerging names will be eager to turn selection into a strong performance.

India A will also have plenty to gain. The tour offers its players a chance to adapt to New Zealand conditions and build experience away from home, while those on the edge of senior selection can make a case for future opportunities. The four-day schedule should reward players who show technical discipline, resilience and the ability to adjust their plans over time.

New Zealand A squads for the three matches

First four-day match: Rhys Mariu (captain), Matt Boyle, Max Chu, Kristian Clarke, Dean Foxcroft, Zak Gibson, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Curtis Heaphy, Tim Robinson, Fraser Sheat, Simon Keene, Jayden Lennox and Jarrod McKay.

Second four-day match: Rhys Mariu (captain), Matt Boyle, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Curtis Heaphy, Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Zak Gibson, Simon Keene, Jayden Lennox, Jarrod McKay, Tim Robinson and Fraser Sheat.

Third four-day match: Adi Ashok, Matt Boyle, Max Chu (wicketkeeper), Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Cam Paul, Henry Nicholls, Fraser Sheat, Simon Keene, Nick Kelly, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu and Jarrod McKay.

With a blend of experienced campaigners and developing talent, New Zealand A’s series against India A promises a revealing early-season test. The matches should offer a useful measure of the hosts’ depth and give players on both sides a chance to make a compelling case for future selection.