Auckland, Jan 12 (NationPress) The pace bowling trio of Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith has been chosen to represent a squad led by Mitchell Santner for the Champions Trophy and the prior Tri-Series in Pakistan, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket on Sunday.

This marks the initial occasion that Santner will lead New Zealand in a significant ICC event after being appointed as the full-time white-ball captain last month. He enjoyed a successful stint as captain during the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka at home.

Sears, who served as a traveling reserve for the previous year’s ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, has been selected following his return to cricket during the Wellington Firebirds’ Super Smash match against the Central Stags on Thursday.

The 26-year-old was sidelined during the November Test series in India and subsequently missed the opening half of the New Zealand home international summer due to a knee injury.

The inclusion of O’Rourke and Smith signifies a breakthrough period for both players, who have become essential contributors to the Black Caps across various formats in recent seasons.

Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, stated, "ICC tournaments epitomize the peak of our sport, and it’s a tremendous privilege to be selected to represent your nation at these events.” He particularly acknowledged Ben, Nathan, and Will for attending their first senior ICC events, expressing that they are all very eager for the experience.

Santner is anticipated to serve as the principal spin option, accompanied by all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, while being supported by seasoned players Kane Williamson and Tom Latham, who will take on the wicketkeeping responsibilities during the tournament.

Santner, Williamson, and Latham were all part of the New Zealand squad during the last edition of the Champions Trophy held in England and Wales in 2017, with Williamson also participating in the 2013 edition.

Matt Henry will lead the pace attack, further strengthened by the experienced Lockie Ferguson, who is set to participate in his fifth ICC event after making significant contributions in the last two ICC ODI and T20I World Cups.

Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Will Young are designated as options for top-order batting, while Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman will enhance the batting lineup with added depth and strength.

Jacob Duffy has been named as the standby player for the squad and will be included if Lockie Ferguson is unavailable due to commitments in the ILT20 playoffs.

New Zealand will kick off their preparations for the Champions Trophy with a warm-up Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa in Karachi and Lahore, followed by an ICC warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi.

The team aims to replicate the success of their 2000 counterparts, who triumphed in the title, previously known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy, by overcoming Sourav Ganguly’s India by four wickets in a thrilling final held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Stead remarked, "Even though the Champions Trophy hasn’t been contested for several years, the team is well aware of the tournament's legacy and the fact that New Zealand were the inaugural winners in 2000 when it was referred to as the ICC KnockOut Trophy."

New Zealand's journey in the 2025 Champions Trophy will commence with their opening match against Pakistan in Karachi on February 19.

The squad is scheduled to depart for Pakistan on February 3.