January 12, Wellington, New Zealand: The main features of New Zealand’s squad announcement for the ICC Champions Trophy were the inclusion of important veterans and the addition of fresh faces to the pace attack. The team’s campaign opening is scheduled for February 19 against Pakistan.

According to the ICC, after a good run in the ODI & T20I series at home against Sri Lanka, Mitchell Santner, the new white-ball captain, will be heading the team in their first major ICC competition. Both the ODI and T20I series were won 2-1 by the Kiwis.

The roster includes the fast three of Nathan Smith, Ben Sears, and Will O’Rourke, who will all be competing in their first senior ICC tournament.

With all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra providing backup, captain Santner is the primary spin option.

The team benefits greatly from the experience of senior players Tom Latham and Kane Williamson, the latter of whom is expected to assume the wicketkeeping gloves for the competition.

Williamson, Latham, and Santner were all members of New Zealand’s team in the 2017 Champions Trophy in England and Wales. Williamson participated in the 2013 event in England as well.

Alongside veteran Lockie Ferguson, who is scheduled to participate in his sixth ICC tournament after playing a significant role in the last two ICC ODI and T20I World Cups, Matt Henry will lead the fast bowling attack.

Jacob Duffy, who is listed as a reserve player, may also be included in the team in the event that Lockie Ferguson is unable to participate due to franchise cricket obligations.

Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, and Mitchell Santner (captain) make up the New Zealand team.

Fixtures for New Zealand’s Group Stage:

Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi, February 19

Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi, February 24

India vs. New Zealand, March 2, Dubai.