New Zealand coach Gary Stead to manage pacers' workloads against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka

Tim Southee has been named as the skipper of New Zealand's 15-member team for their upcoming tour, which includes a single test against Afghanistan in Noida, India, followed by two World Test Championship matches in Sri Lanka. However, head coach Gary Stead is considering the possibility of Southee not participating in all three tests to manage the workload in challenging conditions.
The tour will commence with the one-off test against Afghanistan on Sept. 9 in Noida. Subsequently, the team will head to Sri Lanka for two crucial World Test Championship encounters, with the first test starting on Sept. 18 and the second on Sept. 26.
Last season, Southee, known for his swing bowling prowess, managed to secure only six wickets across four home tests. Considering the demanding conditions, New Zealand has included additional pace bowling options in the squad, namely Matt Henry, Ben Spears, and Will O'Rouke.
"Test tours to the subcontinent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity," Stead said.
"While we're going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different tests.
"Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the workloads of the pace bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served."
Kane Williamson, the former captain, has been named in the squad, along with Michael Bracewell, an allrounder who is making a comeback after more than a year.
Currently, New Zealand holds the third position in the World Test Championship rankings. They are scheduled to visit India once more in October for a series consisting of three tests.
Following that, they will welcome England in November and December for another three-test series on their home turf.
Squad: Tim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young