New Delhi, 25 October (H.S.): New Zealand Cricket has made several changes to its squad ahead of the remaining three matches of the ongoing T20 series against India, with workload management a key consideration. With a one-day international (ODI) series against India scheduled to follow the T20 fixtures, the team management intends to rotate its fast bowlers to manage their workloads and keep them fit for the upcoming assignments.

According to New Zealand Cricket, fast bowler Matt Henry will miss the remaining three T20 matches as part of the workload management plan. Henry will remain in Christchurch before joining the ODI squad in Auckland on November 2.

Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will be available for the third T20 International, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27. He will subsequently represent Canterbury in the second round of the Ford Trophy on October 31.

As a result, Jamieson will be unavailable for the final two T20 matches of the series. He is, however, expected to return to New Zealand's squad for the ODI series against India.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will miss the third T20 International and travel to Auckland. He will rejoin the squad for the final two matches of the series.

Matt Fisher will travel with the team to Wellington as cover for the third T20 International. He will be available only for that fixture before returning to the New Zealand A squad.

In addition, Blair Tickner will join the squad for the final three T20 matches, while Josh Clarkson will be available for selection for the last two games.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the T20 series had been competitive so far, with both matches proving closely contested. He emphasised that a substantial amount of cricket remained to be played in the series.

Walter added that the team had sufficient depth in its available resources to manage the fast bowlers' workloads more effectively and ensure they remained fit for the upcoming matches. The management's priority, he said, was to keep players in the best possible condition to deliver strong performances throughout the series.

New Zealand are currently trailing India 0-2 in the T20 series, making the third match on October 27 crucial to their campaign. The visitors will need a victory to keep their hopes of winning the series alive, while India will be aiming to win the third encounter and secure an unassailable lead.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar