Nine International Players Selected in NZ 'A' Squads for Sri Lanka Tour
Synopsis
Exciting news for cricket fans! Nine talented players, including several BlackCaps, have been chosen for the New Zealand A squads heading to Sri Lanka for a mix of 50-over and four-day matches. This tour aims to enhance their skills in international settings.
Key Takeaways
Nine players have been selected for NZ A squads.
The tour includes three 50-over and two four-day matches.
Notable players include several BlackCaps.
The tour starts on April 5 and aims to enhance player development.
New Zealand's domestic talent is being recognized on an international stage.
Christchurch, March 31 (NationPress) A total of nine international players have been selected for the New Zealand A (NZ A) squads set to tour Sri Lanka later this month. The tour will feature three 50-over matches and two four-day matches taking place in Galle and Hambantota, commencing on April 5.
Within the NZ A 50-over squad, eight players from the BlackCaps are included: Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Mitch Hay, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Ben Sears, and Tim Robinson.
Notably, Abbas, Ashok, Clarke, and Sears will leave the A tour to join the ODI squad in Bangladesh, while Robinson will also exit after the initial red-ball match to participate in the BlackCaps T20I squad.
The red-ball squad will receive a boost with the addition of four pace bowlers, including Michael Rae, a recent Test debutant from New Zealand, alongside Jarrod McKay from Otago, and Fraser Sheat from Canterbury. Additionally, Ryan Harrison from the Auckland Aces and Peter Younghusband from the Wellington Firebirds will join as allrounders.
Harrison, McKay, Sheat, and Younghusband have earned their maiden call-ups to NZ A, as has Rohit Gulati of the Auckland Aces, following standout performances in provincial games this season.
Gavin Larsen, the Selection Manager, expressed enthusiasm about providing players with international opportunities to further their development. “It’s vital to offer our top domestic talents chances to enhance their skills abroad, which is essential for our high-performance program's success,” he noted.
“We’ve witnessed tremendous success this summer, achieving series victories against England, the West Indies, India, and South Africa, all while heavily relying on our domestic player pool,” he added.
The 50-over squad will depart for Sri Lanka on April 3, followed by the four-day squad members on April 10.
Squads:
NZ A to Sri Lanka 50-over: Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Matthew Boyle, Max Chu, Kristian Clarke, Rohit Gulati, Mitch Hay, Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Dale Phillips, Tim Pringle, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears
NZ A to Sri Lanka four-day: Matthew Boyle, Max Chu, Rohit Gulati, Ryan Harrison, Mitch Hay, Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Jarrod McKay, Dale Phillips, Tim Pringle, Michael Rae, Tim Robinson, Fraser Sheat, Peter Younghusband
Point of View
I view the selection of these nine players for the NZ A squads as a pivotal moment for New Zealand cricket. This initiative not only showcases the depth of talent in our domestic leagues but also emphasizes the importance of international exposure for player development. It highlights our commitment to nurturing future stars for the national team.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the NZ A tour to Sri Lanka?
The NZ A tour aims to provide players with international experience through a series of matches, aiding in their development and preparing them for higher levels of competition.
When does the NZ A tour to Sri Lanka begin?
The tour starts on April 5, featuring three 50-over matches and two four-day matches.
Who are the notable players in the NZ A squads?
Notable players include Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, and Tim Robinson, among others.
How many players from the BlackCaps are included in the NZ A squads?
Eight players from the BlackCaps are part of the NZ A 50-over squad.
What are the locations for the matches in Sri Lanka?
The matches will be held in Galle and Hambantota.
