New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson opts out of the T20I series versus India

New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has opted out of the upcoming T20I series against India starting on November 17 to focus on the two-match Test series. New Zealand have got only three days break between the 20-20 World Cup and the India series. Managing the workload of players is one of the main reasons why the pacer won’t be part of the T20I series.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said resting Jamieson was part of the plan. Earlier, skipper Kane Williamson opted out of the T20Is series to prepare for the Test matches.

“We decided through talking with Kane and Kyle that they won’t play in this T20 series. They’re both going to get ready for the test matches and I think you’ll find there will be other guys involved in the test matches that won’t play the entire series either,” Stead said to New Zealand Cricket.

Jaipur, Ranchi, and Kolkata will play host to the three T20Is respectively. The series will culminate on November 21. Stead felt with such a short span of time, the need for balancing was essential. “It’s a bit of a balancing act at the moment and with three T20 games in five days plus travel to three different cities it’s a very, very busy time.”

In the absence of pace spearhead Trent Boult, Jamieson will likely play the first Test match against India starting on Thursday (November 25). The left-arm pacer has been given a break for the Test matches. New Zealand are the current World Test Champions in red-ball cricket. They beat India in the inaugural edition of the WTC Final in June.

The Blackcaps though have not beaten India at home. With Test regulars like Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, and Tom Latham returning to the squad, New Zealand looks a strong and balanced side on paper.