New Zealand will play Sri Lanka in three ODIs and two T20Is beginning on November 9 under Mitchell Santner. Since Kane Williamson resigned as captain after New Zealand’s unexpected loss in the T20 World Cup group stage in June, this will be the team’s first limited-overs series.
According to a press statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the country has also called up all-rounder Nathan Smith and ‘keeper-batter Mitch Hay for the first time in the 15-man roster.
While regular ODI and T20I captains will be chosen during the home summer in New Zealand. Later this year, Mitchell Santner has been picked as the series’ interim leader.
In March, Nathan Smith won the title of NZC’s Domestic Player of the Year. In addition to recording career-best figures of 4 for 5 in the Super Smash, he took 24 wickets in the domestic ODI and T20 leagues. However, earlier this year, Hay, 24, was named Canterbury’s male Player of the Year.
Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and Lockie Ferguson make up the pace attack, and Ish Sodhi will be the team’s most seasoned spinner. All-round spin bowlers Dean Foxcroft, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips will join with Sodhi. Lastly, the batting lineup will consist of Josh Clarkson, Tim Robinson, Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, and Will Young.
To get ready for the three-match Test series against England, eight players from the current Test series against India. Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, and Kane Williamson were not selected.
The entire team consists of Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, and Mitch Hay (WK).
Series Schedule
1st T20I – Saturday, November 9, Dambulla
2nd T20I – Sunday, November 10, Dambulla
1st ODI – Wednesday, November 13, Dambulla
2nd ODI– Sunday, November 17, Kandy
3rd ODI – Tuesday, November 19, Kandy
