New Zealand's emerging and experienced red-ball cricketers will face India A in a three-match series beginning at Lincoln on 24 October, ahead of the two countries' November Test...
New Zealand's emerging and experienced red-ball cricketers will face India A in a three-match series beginning at Lincoln on 24 October, ahead of the two countries' November Test series.
By Webfit News | Sports | 24 October 2026
New Zealand Cricket has named a 19-player New Zealand A squad, featuring 11 players with BLACKCAPS experience, for a three-match, four-day series against India A beginning on Saturday, 24 October.
The opening match will take place at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University, with further matches scheduled in Christchurch and Lincoln.
The series offers New Zealand's emerging players an opportunity to test themselves against Indian red-ball talent, while giving experienced players valuable match practice ahead of the international summer.
India A's squad includes established international players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar, adding considerable experience to the visiting side.
| Match | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| First four-day match | 24–27 October 2026 | Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln |
| Second four-day match | 31 October–3 November 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Third four-day match | 7–10 November 2026 | Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln |
The series comes ahead of the BLACKCAPS' Test series against India, scheduled to begin on 19 November.
Canterbury batter Rhys Mariu has been appointed captain for the first two matches.
The captain for the third fixture will be confirmed later.
The extended squad has been structured to accommodate the simultaneous BLACKCAPS–India white-ball series and New Zealand's domestic Ford Trophy competition.
Rather than selecting the same players for every fixture, New Zealand Cricket will assemble 13 players for each match, with other squad members available for domestic commitments.
Several players with international experience are included across the three fixtures.
They include Nick Kelly, Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay, Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Henry Nicholls and Tim Robinson.
Kelly, New Zealand Cricket's newest centrally contracted player, is scheduled to feature in the third match.
Nicholls also provides valuable experience, having represented New Zealand extensively in Test cricket.
The following selections have been announced by New Zealand Cricket.
| Player | Role where specified |
|---|---|
| Rhys Mariu | Captain |
| Matt Boyle | — |
| Max Chu | — |
| Kristian Clarke | — |
| Dean Foxcroft | — |
| Zak Gibson | — |
| Mitch Hay | Wicketkeeper |
| Curtis Heaphy | — |
| Simon Keene | — |
| Jayden Lennox | — |
| Jarrod McKay | — |
| Tim Robinson | — |
| Fraser Sheat | — |
| Player | Role where specified |
|---|---|
| Rhys Mariu | Captain |
| Matt Boyle | — |
| Kristian Clarke | — |
| Matt Fisher | — |
| Dean Foxcroft | — |
| Zak Gibson | — |
| Mitch Hay | Wicketkeeper |
| Curtis Heaphy | — |
| Simon Keene | — |
| Jayden Lennox | — |
| Jarrod McKay | — |
| Tim Robinson | — |
| Fraser Sheat | — |
| Player | Role where specified |
|---|---|
| Adi Ashok | — |
| Matt Boyle | — |
| Max Chu | Wicketkeeper |
| Dean Foxcroft | — |
| Curtis Heaphy | — |
| Simon Keene | — |
| Nick Kelly | — |
| Ben Lister | — |
| Rhys Mariu | — |
| Jarrod McKay | — |
| Cam Paul | — |
| Henry Nicholls | — |
| Fraser Sheat | — |
Note: Each match squad contains 13 players. The third-match captain has not yet been announced.
One of the notable selections is Canterbury all-rounder Cam Paul, who is in line to make his New Zealand A debut after missing an earlier tour through injury.
The 21-year-old has made a promising start to his first-class career.
| Career statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| First-class matches | 5 |
| Bowling average | Under 22 |
| Five-wicket hauls | 2 |
| New Zealand A appearances | Potential debut |
Paul described the opportunity to face high-quality international opposition as an important step in his development.
He said he was disappointed to miss the previous tour but was excited to be included this time.
New Zealand Cricket's Head of High Performance Development, Pete Sanford, said the series would provide a valuable challenge for the country's developing players.
Sanford acknowledged the strength of India A's squad and said facing international-quality opponents would help New Zealand players assess their skills and continue improving.
The timing also gives selectors an opportunity to observe players in longer-format cricket ahead of the Test summer.
All three four-day matches will be available to viewers in New Zealand and India through the following broadcasters.
| Country | Coverage |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | Live streaming on New Zealand Cricket's YouTube channel |
| India | Live streaming on Sony LIV |
| India — first two matches | Live television coverage on Sony Sports Ten 1 |
| Live scores | New Zealand Cricket's official website, nzc.nz |
Broadcast arrangements are those announced by New Zealand Cricket and may be subject to change.
Although the matches do not carry full international Test status, they provide an important opportunity for players from both countries to gain red-ball experience in New Zealand conditions.
For India A, the series offers preparation against local bowling attacks and conditions before the senior Test series.
For New Zealand A, it provides a platform for established players to maintain their form and younger cricketers to make a case for future international selection.
With several recognised international players involved, the three-match series should offer a meaningful examination of New Zealand's emerging red-ball talent.
Source and information credit: New Zealand Cricket (NZC), official media release, Eleven BLACKCAPS named in New Zealand A red-ball squad, published 23 October 2026.
Broadcast information: New Zealand Cricket and Sony Pictures Networks India.
