“Yeah, look, we’ve had some discussions with these guys and New Zealand Cricket has really emphasised preparing well for these pinnacle events and the guys have committed to being available for all of our T20 campaigns moving forward, if selected,” Wells said. “So that’s a real positive. And credit to those guys, they’ve come back and played domestic cricket, played Ford Trophy and performed well.

“So, these guys are still really hungry and made it very clear they’re still very hungry to play for their country.”

Allen returned to captain Auckland in the Ford Trophy after finishing his BBL stint across the Tasman Sea with Perth Scorchers.

“That [the hunger to play for the country] is why they come back and play domestic cricket to stake their claim,” Wells said. “And they’ve done well as well as performing in the various franchise leagues they play around the world. But it is really helpful from a selection perspective to see them competing in domestic cricket against the guys and see them in the flesh. So, look, we’re really happy with where they’re at.”

Legspinner Sodhi, who was not picked for the 2025 Champions Trophy, has also returned to the white-ball team with an eye on the spin-friendly surfaces in India at the next T20 World Cup. In the absence of captain Mitchell Santner, who will miss the home series against Pakistan owing to his IPL commitments, Sodhi is the only frontline spin-bowling option in the squad apart from stand-in captain Michael Bracewell.

“Look, I think in India, you’re going to be playing two or three spinners,” Wells said. “And you see Ish come back into it. I think most teams are playing a wristspinner in both forms. So, we’re giving Ish an opportunity. He’s been a great performer in the T20 format. I thought he had a really strong Super Smash. But obviously, missing Mitch, who’s a bit of a linchpin in the bowling attacks.

“So, that’ll be a challenge for Ish and Michael to really step up and take those roles if given a chance. But obviously, the boundaries are pretty small in New Zealand grounds and not taking as much turn. So, we might see an additional seamer playing where we think that’s appropriate. But it’s just about having that balance where we can.”

Wells also delivered a glowing appraisal of Bracewell’s abilities as an allrounder and leader.

“Michael led the T20 side over in Pakistan last year in the series we had over there and it was quite a young and experienced side and we were really impressed with the way he led that group,” Wells said. “He sort of cemented himself in both white-ball teams as a really pivotal cog. He’s experienced at domestic level, having been a captain in the side, and is well respected and knows how to run the cutter really well. So, look, he’s ticked a lot of boxes. He hasn’t got a huge amount of international experience but is an experienced cricketer and has done well when given opportunities in a leadership role.”