Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in the two T20Is and three ODIs against Sri Lanka, which begin on November 9. This will be New Zealand’s first limited-overs series since Kane Williamson stepped down as captain following the team’s unexpected elimination from the T20 World Cup group stage in June.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has also called up all-rounder Nathan Smith and wicket keeper Mitch Hay for the first time in the 15-man squad.
Santner has been selected as interim captain of the series. The permanent ODI and T20I captains will be decided during New Zealand’s home season later this year.
Nathan Smith was named the NZC Domestic Player of the Year in March. He took 24 wickets in domestic ODI and T20 events, including a career-best 4 for 5 in the Super Smash. Hay, 24, was named Canterbury’s Male Player of the Year earlier this year.
Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes will compose the pace attack, with Ish Sodhi being the squad’s most experienced spinner.
Sodhi will be joined by spin bowlers Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Dean Foxcroft. Finally, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Phillips, Tim Robinson, and Josh Clarkson will form the batting order.
Eight players from the ongoing Test series against India, including Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, and Kane Williamson, were not considered for selection to prepare for the three-match Test series against England.
Eight players from the ongoing Test series against India, including Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, and Kane Williamson, were not considered for selection to prepare for the three-match Test series against England.
Entire squad: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (WK), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.
- First T20I: Saturday, November 9, Dambulla Second T20I: Sunday, November 10
- First ODI: Wednesday, November 13 Second ODI: Sunday, November 17, Kandy.
- 3rd ODI: Tuesday, November 19, Kandy