Ish Sodi, Jacob Duffy left out of SL Tests

New Zealand have gone with the same faces in the 13 man squad that resulted in a 1-1 draw against England at home. Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy are the only two players to be left out. 

Opening batter Devon Conway, who was struggling with a groin strain, and Matt Henry, who had complained of some stiffness in his back, both made it to the final 13. 

Ace speedster Trent Boult continues to be unavailable after having opted out of the central contract while Kyle Jamieson is still recovering from his back injury. 

"We felt that the 13 that we have here is the right 13 to go forward," head coach Gary Stead said on Wednesday. "I think when you have a win like that (vs England in Wellington)... your confidence will improve."

Sri Lanka will need to win both of their Test matches against New Zealand to have an outside chance for a place in the WTC Final. They will also need India to beat Australia by 4-0 in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy series. 

Squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Will Young

NZ to travel to UAE for T20I series

New Zealand will play a three match T20I against UAE in August, making a halt in the country on their way to the UK. The matches are scheduled for August 17, 19 and 20, with the venues yet to be confirmed. 

NZC issued a release stating "It will be only the second time New Zealand has played the UAE in a full international, following the 1996 World Cup ODI between the two sides at Faisalabad, in Pakistan," 

The chief executive of New Zealand Cricket, David White said “In terms of the global cricket family, it's important we keep helping each other, and growing the game on an international scale.

"NZC has a close relationship with the Emirates Cricket Board and our players are very familiar with the environment. I know the BLACKCAPS will be looking forward to testing themselves against a competitive UAE team."

Emirates Cricket Board General Secretary, Mubashshir Usmani said: “This series will be a massive opportunity for our players, to not only compete against a top team but to also to learn from some of the best players in the world.

"We are fully committed to the growth and development of cricket in the UAE and we are thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support."