New Zealand’s regular white-ball captain Mitchell Santner and allrounder Rachin Ravindra have both made their comebacks from injury, strengthening the squad ahead of the NZ vs England 3-Match T20Is 2025. However, star batter Kane Williamson will miss the series as he continues to recover from a minor medical issue, targeting a return in the following ODI series.
Williamson Focuses on Recovery Before ODI Return
Kane Williamson, 35, last played international cricket in the Champions Trophy final against India in March 2025. Since then, he has been managing his workload carefully, holding a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). Williamson had earlier opted out of the T20I series against Australia and the Zimbabwe tour to play county cricket and the Hundred with Middlesex.
According to New Zealand coach Rob Walter, Williamson has been dealing with a minor health concern over the past month. The team management decided it was best for him to rest longer to ensure he is fully fit for the ODI series against England and the West Indies tour that follows.
“He’s obviously a world-class player, and we’re hoping these two weeks will help him recover completely,” Walter said. “The plan is for Kane to be available for the ODIs and lead the batting lineup once again.”
Williamson’s absence gives the team management a chance to test other players ahead of a busy season. The NZ vs England 3-Match T20Is 2025 begin on October 18 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, followed by games on October 20 (Christchurch) and October 23 (Auckland). The ODI series will take place from October 26 to November 1, with the opening match scheduled at Bay Oval, Williamson’s home ground — where he could mark his international return.
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Santner and Ravindra Boost New Zealand’s T20I Squad
After a successful abdominal surgery, Mitchell Santner returns to captain the side for the NZ vs England 3-Match T20Is 2025. His experience and calm leadership will be crucial for a squad that has been hit hard by injuries in recent months. Coach Rob Walter expressed his delight, saying, “It’s great to have Mitch back. Alongside being our leader, he’s one of the best white-ball spinners in the world. His return adds balance and experience to the group for the NZ vs England 3-Match T20Is 2025.”
Joining him is Rachin Ravindra, who missed the Australia T20Is after suffering a facial injury during fielding practice at Bay Oval. The young allrounder, who collided with the boundary boards during training, has recovered fully and is ready to return to action for the NZ vs England 3-Match T20Is 2025. Ravindra will provide another spin option alongside Santner and Michael Bracewell, while Mark Chapman may also contribute with his part-time left-arm spin.
Injuries have forced several key players to sit out, including Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring). Fast bowler Ben Sears was also ruled out after sustaining a left hamstring tear during training, which will keep him sidelined for three to four weeks.
Meanwhile, wristspinner Ish Sodhi, New Zealand’s most-capped T20I player, has been left out of the squad for the NZ vs England 3-Match T20Is 2025. The team management seems focused on rotating their spin options, possibly giving younger players more opportunities ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Allrounder Jimmy Neesham has retained his place after impressing against Australia, where he took 4 for 26 in Mount Maunganui. Neesham, who turned 35 recently, made his ambitions clear: “I want to win a World Cup for New Zealand, that’s why I’m still playing and available.”
The squad also includes Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes, who were part of the recent tours. Youngster Bevon Jacobs, who received his maiden international cap earlier this year in Harare, keeps his place too.
With Santner leading, Ravindra returning, and Neesham’s renewed drive, New Zealand aims to field a competitive side despite the absence of key names. The NZ vs England 3-Match T20Is 2025 will serve as a crucial test of their depth and resilience. Fans can look forward to seeing familiar faces like Santner and Ravindra back in black, while the team adapts to Williamson’s temporary absence.
The NZ vs England 3-Match T20Is 2025 promise exciting cricket at Hagley Oval and Auckland, with New Zealand hoping to maintain momentum ahead of the upcoming ODI series. Returning players like Santner and Ravindra, along with promising performers like Neesham, give the team options both in batting and bowling.
Even without Williamson, the squad for the NZ vs England 3-Match T20Is 2025 reflects a mix of experience and youth. Rachin Ravindra’s comeback and Santner’s leadership will be central to New Zealand’s plans. Coach Walter remains confident that this lineup can perform well despite injury challenges.
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source: ESPN
