New Zealand A Squad Announced for India A Series: 11 International Players Included, Rhys Mariu to Captain

New Zealand Cricket has announced its squad for the upcoming three-match unofficial Test series against India A, with Canterbury batter Rhys Mariu appointed captain for the first two matches. The series begins on October 24, 2026, at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.

The three four-day matches will provide valuable red-ball preparation for players ahead of the senior teams’ upcoming Test assignments. New Zealand A have named a 19-player group for the series, including several players with international experience.

Rhys Mariu to Lead New Zealand A in First Two Matches

Mariu will lead New Zealand A in the opening two matches, while the captain for the third game will be announced later. The squad includes experienced names such as Henry Nicholls, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Fisher, Mitchell Hay, Jaden Lennox, Ben Lister and Tim Robinson.

Nick Kelly is included in the group for the third match and could feature as the series progresses. Canterbury all-rounder Cam Paul has also been selected for the third game and could make his New Zealand A debut.

India A Squad Features Jaiswal, Rahul and Pant

India A are expected to provide strong competition, with prominent names including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar featuring in the squad announced by the BCCI.

The series offers players from both sides an opportunity to gain experience in New Zealand conditions and strengthen their claims for future senior-team selection.

New Zealand A vs India A: Full Match Schedule

First unofficial Test: October 24–27, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln

Second unofficial Test: October 31–November 3, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Third unofficial Test: November 7–10, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln

The matches will be played alongside New Zealand’s domestic Ford Trophy competition and the senior teams’ international schedule. A 13-player squad will be selected for each match, allowing other players to remain available for domestic commitments.

New Zealand A Squad for India A Series

First match: Rhys Mariu (captain), Matt Boyle, Max Chu, Kristian Clarke, Dean Foxcroft, Zak Gibson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Jaden Lennox, Jarrod McKay, Tim Robinson and Fraser Sheat.

Second match: Rhys Mariu (captain), Matt Boyle, Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Zak Gibson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Jaden Lennox, Jarrod McKay, Tim Robinson and Fraser Sheat.

Third match: Adithya Ashok, Matt Boyle, Max Chu (wicketkeeper), Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Nick Kelly, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Jarrod McKay, Cam Paul, Henry Nicholls and Fraser Sheat.

With a mix of international experience and emerging domestic talent, New Zealand A will look to make the most of the three-match series as both teams prepare for the challenges of red-ball cricket in New Zealand.